


Central Congregational 

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PRESENTED BY 







COMPLIA^ENTS OF THE COMNtTTEl: 




Mrs William Carr 
Mrs Eli Ti-iurston 
Mrs Charles J. Holnu's 



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Central 

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FALL RIVER 
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HISTORY 

ANNALS AND SKETCHES 



OF THE 



CENTRAL CHURCH 

OF 

Fall River, Massachusetts 

A.D. 1842 — A.D. 1905 



WITH PORTRAITS AND VIEWS 



WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY 

Mrs. WILLIAM CARR 

Mrs. ELI THURSTON 

Mrs. CHARLES J. HOLMES 



Edited by HENRY H. EARL, A.M. 



FALL RIVER, MASS. 

Pnnteli ip ^ote of tbe CNrcl^ 

1905 



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ITfje JFott l^tll i^rcss 

SAMUEL USHER 

176 TO 184 HIGH STREET 

BOSTON, MASS. 

2 D'05 



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Contents 



PAGB 

Foreword xi 

Introduction 1 

Organization of the Central Church, A.D. 1842 2 

Organization of the Ecclesiastical Society, A.D. 1843 .... 5 

Early Preachers of the Church, A.D. 1842-1844 8 

Annals of Church 

Rev. Samuel Washburn, Pastor, A.D. 1844-1849 13 

Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D., Pastor, A.D. 1849-1869 17 

Rev. Mich.a^l Burnham, D.D., Pastor, A.D. 1870-1882 31 

Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D., Pastor, A.D. 1882-1890 54 

Rev. William Walker Jubb, Pastor, A.D. 1891-1896 60 

Rev. William Allen Knight, Pastor, A.D. 1897-1902 70 

Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., Pastor, A.D. 1902 87 

Semi-Centennial — Jubilee Celebration, A.D. 1842-1892 ... 99 

Benefactions, Funds, Legacies, etc., A.D. 1842-1905 131 

Foreign Missionaries of Central Church : 

Miss Lois W. Hall 135 

Miss Harriet Seymour 136 

Rev. and ;Mrs. George W. Hinm.in 139 

Rev. and Mrs. Edward S. Cobb 141 

L.u)iEs' Beneficent Society, A.D. 1843-1905 144 

History of the Sunday School, A.D. 1843-1905 156 

History of the Pastoral Aid Society, A.D. 1883-1887 167 

History of the Young People's Society of Christian 

Endeavor, A.D. 1887-1905 170 

Mission Work of the Central Church, A.D. 1849-1905 .... 179 

Pleasant Street Mission Sabbath School, A.D. 1849-1903 . . . 179 
Annals and Work of the Church Missionary, Rev. Edw4^ A. 

Buck, A.D. 1867-1903 185 

Work of Miss Caroline Borden 196 

History of the Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class, A.D. 1880- 

1905 199 

History of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, A.D. 

1869-1905 203 

History of the Willing Helpers' Society and Cradle Roll, 

A.D. 1870-1905 209 

vii 



viii Contents 

Personal Sketches 

PAGE 

Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Washburn 215 

Rev. AND Mrs. Eli Thurston 216 

Rev. and Mrs. Michael Burnham 222 

Rev. and Mrs. Eldridge Mix 227 

Rev. and Mrs. William Walker Jubb 230 

Rev. and Mrs. William Allen Knight 231 

Rev. and Mrs. Clarence F. Swift 232 

Rev. and Mrs. Edwin A. Buck 233 

Deacon Benjamin Earl and Wife 238 

Deacon Nathan Durfee and Wife 240 

Deacon Elijah C. Kilburn 242 

Deacon Thomas F. Eddy 244 

Dr. Amery Glazier and Wife 246 

Col. Richard Borden and Wife 247 

Jesse Eddy and Wife 250 

Henry H. Fish and Wife 252 

Robert K. Remington 254 

The Sextons of the Church : 

Prince G. Hayden 258 

Edward A. Vandoorn . 258 



Supplement 

Church History — Appointment of Committee, Vote, Report, 

Circular, Subscribers to Publication Fund 263 

Important Dates 266 

List of Pastors 266 

Officers of Church and Society, A.D. 1905 267 

Committees of Church and Society, A.D. 1905 267 

Organizations of Church and Society, A.D. 1905 268 

Benevolent Collections — Annual Schedule 272 

Membership of Church in Decades and Semi-Decades 272 

Issues of Church Manuals and Directories 272 

Lists of Deacons and Dates of Service 273 

Lists of Church Treasurers and Dates of Service 273 

Lists of Church Clerks and Dates of Service 273 

Lists of Society Clerks and Dates of Service 274 

Lists of Society Treasurers and Dates of Service 274 

Lists of Sunday-School Superintendents and Dates of 

Service 274 

Copy of Deed of Pews, First Church Edifice, A.D. 1844 . . . 275 

Articles of Faith, Covenant, Creed, etc., A.D. 1845 277 

Articles of Faith, Covenant, Creed, etc., A.D. 1884 279 



Contents ix 

PAGE 

Aeticles of Faith, Co\^nant, Creed, etc., A.D. 1903 284 

Program — Laying of Cornerstone of Present Church 

Edifice, July 22, 1874 287 

Prograivi — Dedication of Present Church Edifice, Decem- 
ber 13, 1875 290 

Program — Semi-Centennial Jubilee, November 13, 1892 ... 100 

Copy of Calendar, Week beginning February 12, 1899 .... 293 

Copy of Calendar, Week beginning May 7, 1899 297 

Copy of Calendar, Week beginning October 25, 1903 300 

Copy of Calendar, Week beginning February 26, 1905 .... 304 
Copy of Topics and Speakers : 

Monthly Missionary Meetings, A.D. 1903-04 307 

Monthly Missionary Meetings, A.D. 1904-05 309 

Constitution and By-Laws of Central Congregational Bible 

School, A.D. 1903 311 

General Index 317 

Index of Personal References 327 



Illustrations 



PAGE 

New Central Church Frontispiece 

Rev. Samuel Washburn 13 

Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D 17 

Rev. Michael Burnham, D.D 31 

Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D 54 

Rev. William Walker Jubb 60 

Rev. William Allen Knight 70 

Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D 87 

Rev. Edwin Augustus Buck 185 

Deacon Benjamin Earl 14 

Deacon Nathan Durfee 18 

Deacon Elijah C. Kilburn 242 

Deacon Thomas F. Eddy 183 

Henry H. Fish 26 

Richard B. Borden 131 

Col. Richard Borden 38 

Jesse Eddy 250 

Present Pastor and Board of Deacons 87 

Building Committee of Present Church Edifice 37 

Foreign Missionaries 135 

Miss Harriet Seymour 203 

Old Central Church 267 

New Central Church Chapel 63 

New Church Auditorium — Interior, looking West 39 

New Church Auditorium — Interior, looking East 99 

New Church Stone Memorial Tablet 40 

New Church Memorial Bronze Tablet 97 

New Church Chapel — Interior 156 

Mission School Building 179 



Foreword 



" If the history of the Church in general is of all history most impor- 
tant, and events relating to it, apparently trivial, possess in the sight 
of God more interest than revolutions and overthrow of thrones and 
empires, then the history of an individual church even for a limited 
period is to itself worthy of record and review." So wrote the pastor 
and deacons of Dr. Thurston's time in an annual report; so thought 
the officers and members in church meeting assembled, June 13, 1904, 
when they instructed their chairman. Dr. Swift, to appoint a commit- 
tee who should gather material for a church history. He nominated 
Mrs. William Carr, the only surviving original member of the 
Church, Mrs. Thurston, widow of Dr. Eli Thm-ston, and Mrs. Charles 
J. Holmes, wife of the senior deacon. 

After some nine months spent in examining records, gathering 
material, and devising a general plan for the work, the committee 
reported progress, and asked for information as to the extent of its 
powers. The report was accepted, the committee continued, and given 
full power to proceed with the work on lines suggested. 

Early in June, 1905, a circular letter was issued by the committee, 
describing their work, giving the estimated cost of publishing the 
book, and asking for voluntary subscriptions to pay for the same. 
Before the first of July sufficient money and pledges were received to 
warrant the continuance of the work as proposed. Three deacons of 
the Church were called to assist in the further prosecution of the work: 
Deacon Henry H. Earl to the editor's chair ; Deacon Newton R. Earl 
to aid in the publication of the book, and Deacon Charles J. Holmes 
to receive and have charge of the subscription fund. To the hearty 
cooperation and untiring zeal of these gentlemen, and their experience 
and efficiency in editing and embellishing the book, is due in a large 



xii Foreword 

measure whatever of success has been attained. The committee 
wish to acknowledge their indebtedness to all friends who have in any- 
way assisted them, and to voice their appreciation of papers prepared 
by Deacon Charles A. Baker, Mrs. Alanson J. Abbe, Miss Anna H. 
Borden, and Mrs. James F. Jackson. 

The aim of the committee has been, not so much to give a literal 
presentation of every passing event, as to record the varied experiences 
through which the life and work of the Church has been broadened, 
deepened, and made more fruitful. Sixty-three years of active church 
life have passed in review before us, — some of unusual prosperity, 
when the air was filled with the song of " The Harvest Home " and 
the church opened wide its doors to receive the returning gleaners 
bringing their sheaves with them ; others of sore trial and adversity, 
when with David we were led to say, '' All Thy waves and Thy billows 
have gone over me ",* some filled with earnest work crowned with 
large success ; others seemingly less fruitful and with but little if any 
sign of outward growth. Through all the years, however, there is 
clearly discernable, a growing sense of the responsibility of the Church 
for the moral and spiritual uplift of the life of the community, and 
a strengthening of the tie which binds all in one common brotherhood. 

Mrs. William Carr. 

Mrs. Eli Thurston. 

Mrs. Charles J. Holmes. 



HISTORY AND ANNALS 

OF THE 

Central Congregational Church 

OF FALL RIVER, MASS- 



Introduction 



The First Congregational Church in Fall River, the mother 
church, was organized by an ecclesiastical council regularly 
convened for the purpose, January 9, 1816. Five persons, 
viz., Richard Durfee, Welthe Durfee, Joseph Durfee, EHza- 
beth Durfee, and Benjamin Bray ton, constituted its original 
membership. This little company, weak in numbers, but 
strong in faith and zeal, gradually increased until, in 1840, 
three hundred and sixty-four names were enrolled in its 
membership. 

During the year 1840, an unfortimate business disagree- 
ment between two of its prominent members was the occa- 
sion of a widespread disaffection in the church, resulting in a 
request from certain members, '^ That they be dismissed from 
the First Church and allowed to form a new church." 

The request was granted, and, in accordance therewith, 
letters missive were sent from the First Congregational 
Church to eleven neighboring churches, to meet in ecclesias- 
tical council to consider and act upon the following resolu- 
tion, viz., " That this church proceed to call an ecclesiastical 
council to consider the expediency of organizing, and if 
thought expedient, to organize Amery Glazier and other 



'.^ 



2 History and Annals of the 

members of this body into another and separate church, agree- 
ably to their request.'^ Churches to form the council were 
called, by pastor and delegate, from Berkley, Boston (Central 
Church), Easton, Fairhaven, New Bedford, Newport, Provi- 
dence (High Street and Richmond Street), Seekonk, Taun- 
ton, and Randolph. 



Or§fani2ation of Central Chufch 
November J6, A.D. J842 

The council met November 16, 1842, and organized by 
choosing Rev. Luther Sheldon, of Easton, moderator; Rev. 
Erastus Maltby, of Taunton, scribe; and Deacon R. S. Bourne, 
of Providence, ^^ attestant " scribe. After listening to, and 
duly considering, the statements of pastor and people, the 
council voted ^' that it is expedient to organize the members 
requesting it into another church, to be called the Central 
Church in Fall River." The articles of faith and covenant 
presented by persons applying, and approved by the council, 
were the same as those of the mother church. Voted, ^^ to 
proceed to the organization of the new church this evening 
at seven o'clock." 

The following persons, seventy in number, were dismissed 
from the First Church for the purpose of organization, namely : 
Samuel Barnard, Mrs. Ann Barnard, Mrs. Abby W. Borden, 
Mrs. Phoebe B. Borden, Melvin Borden, Israel Bray ton, Slade 
Brayton, Tillinghast Briggs, Mrs. Parnell Briggs, Samuel 
Chace, S. Angier Chace, Miss Elizabeth G. Chace, Miss Minerva 
Chace, William Coggeshall, Mrs. M. A. Coggeshall, Miss 
Hannah E. Coggeshall, Miss Betsey Cook, Miss Mary A. Carer, 
John S. Cotton, Williams A. Burt, Mrs. C. B. Brayton, Charles 
C. Dillingham, Mrs. Mary A. Dillingham, Nathan Durfee, Mrs. 
Delane B. Durfee, Mrs. Fidelia B. Durfee, Mrs. Sylvia B. Durfee, 
Mrs. Lucinda T. Durfee, Mrs. Mary S. Durfee, Joseph Durfee, 



Central Congregational Church 3 

Mrs. Ruth Durfee, Miss Harriet A. Durfee, Miss Elizabeth V. 
Durfee (Mrs. William Carr), Mrs. Sarah Durfee, Miss Eliza 
Dean, Miss Frances M. Dunlap, Miss Lucre tia D. Dean, Jesse 
Eddy, Mrs. Sarah P. Eddy, Benjamin Earl, Mrs. Nancy S. 
Earl, Henry H. Fish, Mrs. Eliza Ann Fish, Amery Glazier, 
Mrs. Ann C. Glazier, Miss Mary E. Gardner, Miss Eleanor 
Gray, Miss Prudence Gray, Harvey Harnden, Prince G. Hay- 
den, Mrs. Ann Hay den, Mrs. Hannah Hathaway, Mrs. Susan 
Hathaway, Daniel Leonard, Mrs. Anna R. Leonard, Miss M. A. 
Leach, Miss Mahala T. Manchester, William T. Nichols, Mrs. 
Welthe Paine, Hale Remington, Mrs. Catharine G. Remington, 
Mrs. Amelia Simmons, Mrs. Hannah Sweet, Miss Ann Smith, 
Nicholas Taylor, Mrs. Hannah M. Winslow, Henry Woodward, 
Mrs. Eliza A. Wood, Lucas C. Young, Mrs. Mary Ann Young. 

Only one of this number is now living. Miss Elizabeth V. 
Durfee (Mrs. Wilham Carr). Subsequently other members 
from the First Church joined the Central Church. 

Did space permit, mention might well be made of many 
pleasant reminiscences of our charter members. Of them it 
can be said, in the words of Paul to the Corinthians, '' Ac- 
cording to the grace of God which was given unto us, as wise 
master builders, we have laid the foundation, and another 
buildeth thereon." They builded well; ours was a strong 
foundation, built on a '' City of Rocks." 

Most of them have gone on to know more and more about 
the perfect service given in the upper house. 

They have fought the good fight of faith and won the vic- 
tory, and " their works do follow them." 

Others, since, have borne the heat and the burden of their 
day. Others, still, are now giving their strength and energy 
to the great structure, building wisely and well, remembering 
the promise, 

" He that reapeth receiveth wages, and ga there th fruit xmto 
eternal life: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth 
may rejoice together." 



4 History and Annals of the 

The public exercises of the organization of the Church were 
as follows: Prayer, Rev. J. 0. Barney, of Seekonk; sermon, 
Rev. William M. Rogers, Central Church, Boston; formation 
of the Church, Rev. Luther Sheldon, Easton; consecrating 
prayer. Rev. Jonathan Leavitt, Richmond Street Church, 
Providence; right hand of fellowship. Rev. Charles Hitch- 
cock, D.D., Randolph; concluding prayer. Rev. Charles 
Chamberlain, Berkley. The Church was thus duly organized 
in accordance with established usage, and the council 
adjourned. 

After the organization of the Church and until a place for 
regular services could be provided, business and conference 
meetings were held at the dwelling houses of the members. 
Six days after organization, a church meeting was held at the 
house of Dr. Nathan Durfee, when the following officers were 
chosen: Samuel Chace, clerk; Nathan Durfee, Charles C. 
Dillingham, and Tillinghast Briggs, Prudential Committee; 
Samuel Chace, William Coggeshall, and Daniel Leonard, Fi- 
nancial Committee ; Henry Woodward, treasurer. A committee 
of three was appointed, viz., Amery Glazier, Jesse Eddy, and 
Benjamin Earl, to draft a code of rules and regulations for the 
government of the Church, and report at an adjourned meet- 
ing, to be held ten days later. The adjourned meeting was 
held at the house of C. C. Dillingham, when the committee 
submitted their report. The report was accepted, its articles, 
rules and orders separately considered, and finally adopted 
as the code of regulations for the government of the Church. 

In the year 1833, the Pocasset Manufacturing Company 
erected a large brick building called the '' Pocasset Block,'' 
on the corner of South Main and Pleasant streets. '^ The 
Pocasset House," a hotel, occupied the greater part of the 
block; but a large room on the second floor, with an entrance 
on Pleasant Street, was called ^' Pocasset Hall," and was let 
for meetings of various kinds, lectures, concerts, etc. When 
arrangements were made by the Church, in December, ^' to 



Central Congregational Church 5 

hold services by ourselves on the Sabbath/'' Pocasset Hall was 
selected as the place best suited to the needs of the Church; 
Dr. Glazier was chosen to seciu'e the hall; Dr. Durfee was 
appointed to procure pulpit supplies; Henry H. Fish was 
made treasurer of foreign missionary funds; and Benjamin 
Earl, Samuel Chace, Mrs. Fidelia B. Durfee, and Mrs. Daniel 
Leonard were appointed collectors to solicit contributions for 
foreign missionary work. Thus early in the annals of the 
Church appears ^^ The American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions," in whose welfare it has ever had a deep 
and abiding interest, as the annual contributions for its 
support amply testify. 



Organization of the Ecclesiastical Society- 
January 20, A.D. J 843 

1843. About the middle of January, upon request of 
Amery Glazier and others, a warrant was issued by James 
Ford, Esq., justice of the peace in the county of Bristol, for 
a meeting to be held in Pocasset Hall, January 20, 1843, at 
half past seven o'clock in the evening, for the purpose of organ- 
izing the Ecclesiastical Society of the Church. The meeting 
was held at the time and place appointed, and the Society was 
legally organized and incorporated imder the name of the 
'' Central Congregational Society." The signers of the call 
were : 

Amery Glazier. Nathax Durfee. 

Richard Borden. Benjamin Earl. 

WiLLLi^is A. Burt. Jesse Eddy. 

Edward S. Ch-\se. Henry H. Fish. 

Abrah.01 Cook. Henry Woodward. 

John S. Cotton. Daniel Leonard. 
Charles C. Dillingh.^i. 

The applicants, and all others who had become members of 
the Society by subscribing to the by-laws, appointed the officers 



6 History and Annals of the 

for the ensuing year, and transacted all business legally 
coming before them. Edward S. Chase was chosen treasurer 
and collector; and Richard Borden, Samuel Chace, and 
Samuel B. Hussey, assessors. The common seal was adopted 
as the seal of the corporation. A committee was appointed to 
report, at an adjourned meeting to be called three days later, 
what building lots could be obtained, and prices. At the time 
appointed, January 23, 1843, the committee reported that two 
lots were available, one situated on the west side of North Main 
■Street, nearly opposite Bank Street, known as the ^' Bennett 
lot" which could be obtained for five thousand dollars; the 
other, known as the '^ Massasoit lot," situated on the north- 
west corner of Bedford and Rock streets, owned by Bradford 
Durfee, Nathan Durfee, Joseph Durfee, and Mrs. Fidelia B. 
Durfee, could be had as '' a donation to the Central Congrega- 
tional Society, for the erection of a house of public worship 
thereon, if said lot would answer the wishes of the Society." 
The Society accepted the latter lot agreeably to the terms 
proposed, and chose a committee — Nathan Durfee, Harvey 
Harnden, Joseph Durfee, and Samuel Chace — to prepare a 
plan for a House of Worship, with probable cost thereof, and 
to report one week later. Benjamin Earl was appointed agent 
to receive the deeds of the lot in behalf of the Society. During 
the week allowed them, the committee consulted Mr. Russell 
Warren, an architect of Providence, R. I., who referred them 
to a meeting house recently erected by the First Baptist 
Society in Pawtucket, R. I., which he thought would meet 
their wishes. They visited the church, examined it in all its 
details; conferred with the committee who built it concerning 
the cost; procured a loan of the plans, and were ready to report 
at the time designated, their hearty approval of these plans, 
and to recommend their adoption in the main, as suitable for 
the Society. The report was accepted, and after an extended 
conference, and a thorough examination of the borrowed 
plans, they were adopted. 



Central Congregational Church 7 

A building committee, consisting of Bradford Durfee, 
Joseph Durfee, Nathan Durfee, Richard Borden, Samuel 
Chace, Jesse Eddy, and Melvin Borden, was appointed to 
build the meeting house after the general plan presented, with 
power to make such changes or alterations as seemed best 
suited to the needs of the Society. Thus, within ten days from 
the organization of the Society, a location was secured, plans 
adopted, and a committee chosen and empowered to go for- 
ward with the construction of a church edifice. The contract 
was given to Melvin Borden; work was begun immediately; 
building materials were purchased and on the lot ready for 
use, and the frame of the church was raised, waiting to be 
covered, when the ^^ Great Fire " of July 2, 1843, occurred. By 
great exertions the frame, though badly scorched, was saved, 
but all beside was entirely consumed. Col. Richard Borden 
reimbursed Mr. Melvin Borden, the contractor of the building, 
for all loss on material destroyed. 

The burning of Pocasset Block deprived the new church 
organization of its place of worship. The Baptist church 
and society, however, whose ''Temple " was just outside the 
burnt district, most cordially invited the Central Church to 
the use of their pews all day, and their pulpit one-half day, 
each Sabbath. The Church gratefully accepted the invita- 
tion and the two churches worshiped together until Novem- 
ber, when the Central Church and congregation removed to 
the vestry of their new meeting house on Bedford Street, 
which was then ready for occupancy. At a church meeting 
held at the house of Dr. Glazier, October 23, 1843, the 
following resolutions were presented and unanimously 
adopted. 

Resolved, That the grateful acknowledgments of the Central Church 
are due, and are hereby tendered to the pastor, church and congrega- 
tion of the First Baptist Church in Fall River [now called Baptist 
Temple], for the free use of their pews all the time, and their pulpit 
one half the time, so kindly and promptly proffered to and accepted 



8 History and Annals of the 

by us immediately after the calamitous fire which deprived us of our 
usual place of public worship, and by which we have been permitted 
to worship unitedly ever since. 

Resolved, That our thanks are also due, and are hereby tendered 
to those individuals of said society who have been so active, untiring 
and courteous in aiding members of the Central Church to pews. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be handed to Rev. Asa 
Bronson, and one to the church over which he officiates as pastor. 

Mr. Henry H. Fish, Mr. Orrin P. Gilbert, and Dr. Nathan 
Durfee were appointed to '' select some new collection of psalms 
and hymns, for the use of the Church in the public worship of 
God." The committee unanimously recommended '' ' The 
Church Psalmody/ compiled by Lowell Mason and David 
Greene, of Boston, as the most approved collection of psalm- 
ody in all our churches, and one which has a thorough evan- 
gelical character both in doctrine and spirit, and need only be 
examined, to convince any candid person, of its superiority 
over the old collection of ' Watts ' now in use among us. They 
further report that it is inexpedient for the Church to take 
any action in relation to the books to be used by the choir." 
The report was adopted, and " The Church Psalmody " was 
used until 1860. 



Eatly Preachers 

From the organization of the Church until the completion 
of the first church edifice, the pulpit was supplied by recent 
graduates from Andover Theological Seminary, among whom 
were. Rev. Robert Stevens Hitchcock, son of Rev. Charles 
Hitchcock, D.D., of Randolph, who preached but a short time 
in Fall River, and in July, 1843, was installed pastor of the 
North Church, New Bedford; Rev. Edward A. Washburn, 
who preached for two months; Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock 
— who later attained such eminence as professor of ecclesias- 



Central Congregational Church 9 

tical history in Union Theological Seminary, New York, and 
subsequently became its president — preached six months; 
and Rev. Benjamin Hosford, who preached several months in 
the vestry of the new church. 

1843. On Monday evening, April 17, the first annual chiu-ch 
meeting was held, when the following officers were chosen for 
the ensuing year: Samuel Chace, clerk; William Coggeshall, 
Samuel Chace, and Daniel Leonard, Financial Coromittee; 
Nathan Durfee, Charles C. Dillingham, Tillinghast Briggs, 
and Jesse Eddy, Prudential Committee; and Henry H. Fish, 
treasurer. April 27, the Society voted to assume all debts 
contracted by the Church for the support of the gospel prior 
to this date. 



ANNALS OF THE CHURCH 




Rev. SAMUEL WASHBURN 
First Pastor, A.D. 1 844-1 849 



Central Congregational Church 13 



Rev. Samuel Washburn 

First Pastor, A»D» J844-J849 

1844. March 18. It was voted to invite Rev. Samuel 
Washburn to become pastor of the Church. 

Brothers Richard Borden, Nathan Duiiee, and Jesse Eddy 
were appointed a committee to communicate the doings of 
the Church to Mr. Washburn, and offer him a salary of one 
thousand doUars a year. On April 9, Mr. Washburn sent his 
formal acceptance of the call, and the installation services 
were appointed to be held on the evening of the day of the 
Dedication of the Church Edifice. 

March 27. The committee appointed January 30, 1843, 
to erect a house for public worship reported '^ that they had 
attended to that duty, and would present the same for accept- 
ance." The church Bell was a gift from Col. Richard Borden. 
It is the one still in use, having been transferred to the tower 
of the new church edifice in 1875. The Conmnmion Service 
was a gift from Mrs. Wei the Durfee Paine. The house was 
accepted by the Church and Society. Nathan Durfee was 
appointed agent to procure insurance; April 24, 1844, was 
selected as the time for the dedication of the church, and 
May 8, for sehing and rental of pews. (See Copy of Deeds in 
Supplement.) 

On the morning of April 24, 1844, the new Meeting House 
was dedicated to the worship of God. (See Supplement for 
view of first church edifice.) In the afternoon the council 
convened for examination of the candidate, and at seven 
o'clock in the evening, Rev. Samuel Washbm-n was installed 
First Pastor of the Central Church. 

The public services were as follows: Reading of the Scrip- 
tures, Rev. Thomas Shephard, Bristol; introductory prayer, 
Rev. Orin Fowler, First Church, Fall River; sermon, Rev. 
William A. Stearns, Cambridgeport ; installing prayer, Rev. 



14 History and Annals of the 

Charles Hitchcock, D.D., Randolph; charge, Rev. Erastus 
Maltby, Taunton; right hand of fellowship, Rev. T. T. Water- 
man, Richmond Street, Providence; concluding prayer, 
Wm. Gould, Fair haven; benediction, pastor. 

The Church had accepted the Articles of Faith and Form of 
Covenant of the First Church for purposes of organization, 
but at the church meeting held May 20, 1844, the pastor, 
Amery Glazier, and Nathan Durfee were appointed '' to draw 
up Articles of Faith and a Form of Covenant for this Church." 
They submitted their report in August. It was accepted, and 
after due consideration of its various sections, the same was 
adopted as the Ecclesiastical Principles and Rules of this 
Church. (See Supplement.) 

When Mr. Washburn began his ministry in Fall River, he 
found a strong, working Church of one hundred and six mem- 
bers, together with an established Sabbath school; weekly 
prayer and conference meetings; female prayer-meetings 
(in those days the sisters were supposed to keep silence in 
the public meetings for prayer); missionary meetings; and 
monthly Church and Society meetings, — all regularly organ- 
ized and governed by codes of rules and regulations framed 
and adopted for the purpose. 

1844. In August of this year, the first deacons were 
chosen, namely; Brothers Benjamin Earl and Orrin P. Gil- 
bert. The latter served until February, 1849, when he re- 
moved to Worcester. Brother Earl continued in office until 
his death in 1884. In October, it was decided to form a 
Tract Society, and it was voted '' that the distribution of 
tracts be considered the business of the Church, and the 
distributers should be appointed by the Church." Orrin P. 
Gilbert, Joseph A. Crane, Tillinghast Briggs, Miss Lois W. 
Hall, Miss Ellen Seabury (Mrs. Ellen Ball), and Mrs. John 
Borden were chosen distributers, and Deacon Earl was 
appointed a committee to carry into effect the distribution 
of the tracts. 




BENJAMIN EARL 
Deacon, A.D. 1844- 1884 



Central Congregational Church 15 

1 845 . In February, the treasurer reported that nearly three 
hundred dollars had been contributed for foreign missions 
during the past year; whereupon, it was voted to use two 
hundred dollars of that amount to make Mrs. Hannah J. 
Washbinrn, wife of the pastor, and Mr. Henry H. Fish, treas- 
urer of the Church, life members of the American Board 
of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. The following year. 
Deacon Earl was made a life member of the same society by 
the funds contributed that year. 

1846. The pastor reports " No dismissions from the 
Church the last year. 'WHiile no one has been added to us from 
the ranks of the world, eight have been received by letters 
from sister churches. God has not afflicted us by removing 
any of our number by death." The whole number of mem- 
bers at the present time is one hundred and fourteen. 

1847. At the regular church meeting in March, the first 
committee ^' for a visitation of the Church," was appointed. 
The special object of this visitation is not stated. In Sep- 
tember, Joseph A. Crane was elected a Deacon, making the 
number three instead of two; ^Ir. Crane resigned in March, 
1860. 

1848. At the regular monthly meeting, December 11, 1848, 
the following communication was presented by the pastor: 

Dear Brethren: 

It will be remembered that in March last, I requested the members 
of this Chm'ch to unite with me in calling an ecclesiastical council, for 
the purpose of dissolving the pastoral relations existing between me 
and the Church. Subsequently, at the soHcitations of the Church, I 
was induced to withdraw the request. I now feel constrained to renew 
it, and kindly and respectfully to ask you to unite with me in calling 
such a council, for the purpose of dissohdng the ecclesiastical relation 
now existing between us. I will only say, that this step I have not 
taken hastily, but deliberately and prayerfully, influenced by a regard 
to the peace and welfare of both the Chm*ch and myseh. For every 
feeling of sympathy that has been shown me in the hour of trial, for 
every act of kindness and expression of confidence since I have been 



16 History and Annals of the 

with you, I retain a deep sense of obligation, and pray that the God 
of peace and concord may dwell with you. 

Affectionately yours, 

S. Washburn. 

The following resolution was passed by the Church, viz. : 

Resolved, That while this Church deeply regrets that their pastor 
feels constrained to take this step, they are disposed to accede to his 
request in the same spirit of kindness in which it is presented; and 
while they thus comply with the request, they would avail themselves 
of this opportunity of expressing their continued confidence in his 
christian character, and of his superior qualifications for filling the 
sacred desk. 

1849. The council for dismission convened at the vestry 
of the Central Congregational Church, Fall River, January 2, 
1849. After due deliberation upon a matter involving the 
interests of a minister of Christ, and of a christian church, 
the coimcil came unanimously to this result: ^^ That the pas- 
toral relation heretofore existing between Reverend Samuel 
Washburn and the Central Congregational Church in Fall 
River, be, and hereby is, dissolved." 




Rev. ELI THURSTON, D.D. 
Second Pastor, A.D. 1849-1869 



Central Congregational Church 17 

Rev* Eli Thurston, D*D. 

Second Pastor, A.D. J849 - J869 

Upon the termination of Mr. "Washburn's pastorate, a com- 
mittee of tliree — Jesse Eddy, Nathan Durfee, and Richard 
Borden — was appointed to secm^e a minister. On Febru- 
ary 4, the name of Rev. Eli Thurston was presented for con- 
sideration. It was voted unanimously '' to extend a call to 
Mr. Thiu-ston to become our pastor, at a salary of one thou- 
sand dollars per anmun.'' This amoimt was subsequently 
increased from time to time, until at his decease it was 
twenty-five hundred dollars per annum. 

On March 12, the acceptance of the call was received by the 
Church, and on the 21st of March, 1849, Rev. Eli Thurston 
was installed the Second Pastor of the Central Church in 
Fall River. 

The pubhc services of the mstallation were as follows : Read- 
ing of the Scripture and prayer. Rev. W. J. Breed, of Beneficent 
Church, Providence; sermon. Rev. S. Pomeroy, D.D., Bos- 
ton; installing prayer. Rev. Orin Fowler, First Church, Fall 
River; charge to the pastor. Rev. Thomas J. Shephard, Bris- 
tol; fellowship of churches. Rev. Jonathan Crane, Second 
Chiu-ch, Attleboro; address to the people, with concluding 
prayer, Rev. C. Blodgett, Pawtucket; benediction by the 
pastor. 

The number of members at the beginning of the new pas- 
torate was one himdred and twenty-two. The following item 
is taken from the annual report of the pastor and deacons: 
1849, April: '^ It is with deep regret, we have to notice the 
discontinuance of the female prayer-meeting which had been 
statedly attended suice the formation of the Chiu*ch. It is to 
be hoped the altar thus cast down may soon again be set up." 

In June of this year, it was decided to take Annual Collec- 
tions for missionary causes on the Sabbath, and to concur 



18 History and Annals of the 

with the recommendations of the General Association of Massa- 
chusetts, in taking such collections for the following named 
objects at the times specified: Education Society, January 
and February; Home Missionary Society, March and April; 
Tract Society, May and June; Seaman's Friend Society, 
July; Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society, August; Bible 
Society, September and October; American Board of Com- 
missioners for Foreign Missions, November and December. 

On November 13, 1849, at the regular church meeting, 
Brother Hale Remington offered the following: 

Resolved, That this Church considers the running of steamboats, 
and rail-cars on the Sabbath, for the transportation of passengers and 
merchandise, to be a great sin in the sight of God; and would recom- 
mend all suitable means to be used by its members for the discontinu- 
ance of the same in this community. 

This resolution was passed without comment. 

1850. On July 17, a special committee of five, viz., Robert 
K. Remington, Thomas F. Eddy, Richard B. Borden, Wil- 
liam R. Bush, and Sewall B. Brackett, was chosen to attend 
to the seating of strangers; to call upon and invite such as 
may be induced to connect themselves with our congregation; 
and to use suitable and proper means for filling the house 
of God with worshipers, by acts of kindness and christian 
courtesy, and by showing an interest in their spiritual 
welfare. Subsequently a committee of ladies was appointed 
for the same purpose, whose work was very efficiently 
performed. 

On Monday evening, November 11, 1850, two were added 
to the board of Deacons, namely: Dr. Nathan Durfee and 
Josiah W. Peet. 

The closing months of the year 1849, witnessed the beginning 
and development of a most remarkable interest in religious 
matters, continuing through the spring and summer of 1850. 
The whole community was affected, and deep solemnity 
characterized the demeanor of the people. Extra meetings 




Doctor NATHAN DURFEE 
Deacon, A.D. 1850-1876 



Central Congregational Church 19 

were held in the various churches of the town for months. 
This interest was not confined to Fall River, but was general 
in the neighboring cities and to^TLS. In this awakened spirit- 
ual life the Central Church shared deepl}'. Accessions were 
made to the Chiu:-ch at every commimion ser\dce through the 
year. The statistics show '^ a larger nimiber imiting on pro- 
fession of faith than during the whole time the Church has 
existed." Of the eighty who joined the Church in that year, 
but -five remain with us to-day (1905), namely, Mr. William E. 
Bush, Mr. Richard B. Borden, Miss Sarah A. Cook, Mrs. 
Thomas J. Borden, and Mr. Clinton Y. S. Remington. The 
effects of this glorious work of grace were not confined to 
that year alone, but continued subsequently to bear fruit, 
more or less members being gathered to the fold each year, 
until 1857, when there occurred another extraordinary mani- 
festation of the power of God's grace to change the hearts 
of men. 

185 1. Sister Lois W. Hall, having received an appoint- 
ment from the American Board as a teacher among the 
Choctaw Indians in the missionary station at Park Hill, 
Indian Territory, was given a letter of dismission to the 
church there, on a Sabbath evening in December, 1851. 
After the usual Sabbath-evening services, the Chiuch remained 
for a season of prayer, committing this sister to the grace of 
God and bidding her an affectionate farewell. 

1855. Early in this year, a missionary convention was held 
in the church, which excited an unusual interest in the cause 
of missions, especially in foreign missions. The contributions 
to the American Board more than doubled, being upwards of 
one thousand dollars, while the whole amount contributed 
for benevolent pin-poses, fell but little short of three thousand 
dollars. This was a very great increase on any former year 
of our history. No death occmTed among us during the year, 
— a circmxLstance worthy of notice, from the fact of the 
prevalence in the city during the summer of the cholera. 



20 History and Annals of the 

1856. The following item appears in the records of this 
year : 

The subject of dancing was brought before the Church, and after 
much discussion it was voted, that we, the members of this Church, 
believe that dancing, in its tendency, is evil, and those who participate 
in it, or encourage it in others, are exerting an influence injurious to 
the cause of Christ. 

1857. The following resolutions may be of interest, as 
showing the attitude of the Church towards its absent members 
in those days. 

The design of the Church is mutual improvement and cooperation ; 
mutual incitement to love and good works; mutual advancement in 
holiness; concentrated and invigorated effort for the promotion of 
the gospel of Christ. Towards the attainment of these ends, two 
special duties which the members of a church owe to each other 
and which are embodied in their covenant obligations, are mutual 
watchfulness and mutual exhortation. These duties cannot be per- 
formed by and to, any members living away from the body of the 
Church, therefore, 

Resolved, That whenever any member removes from this town, it 
is his duty to remove his connection with the Church, and to unite 
with some other in the neighborhood where he may reside, as soon 
as conveniently may be. 

Resolved, Should any member of this Church remove from this 
place, and not remove his connection with the Church, it is his duty 
as often as once in twelve months, to report to the Church the reasons 
why he does not choose to do so; also to give some account of his 
religious experience during his absence. 

Resolved, That any one member who does not comply with the above 
resolutions, will not be entitled to a letter of dismission and recom- 
mendation to any other church, unless he brings from the pastor or 
deacons of that church, a statement to the effect that they are satisfied 
with his christian deportment since they have known him. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to all members of 
this Church who have removed from the city, and they be requested, 
for the honor they owe the gospel, and in brotherly love, to comply 
with them. 



Central Congregational Church 21 

April. The pastor and deacons' annual report reads as 
follows : 

By far the most important event of the year was the revival in 
our midst. Early in January there seemed on the part of a few of 
our members, an increased spirit of prayer, more manifest in the closet 
than in public. The effect soon became apparent; more came to the 
meetings for prayer; soon the inquiry was heard, '' What shall I do 
to be saved? " and the work of grace began slowly but steadily to be 
developed; God manifested his presence in the ''still small voice"; 
no excitement was created ; no extraordinary means were employed ; 
but the simplest and ordinary instruments were honored and blest, 
especially the meetings for prayer. From its commencement, it was 
peculiarly a work of the Spirit. 

Deacon Crane presented the following memorial on July 13 
(1857): 

Whereas, It has pleased the Great Head of the Church in the pleni- 
tude and richness of his mercy, repeatedly in former years and again 
at the present time, to favor our beloved Zion with the outpouring 
of his Holy Spirit upon us, bringing into our fold many of our chil- 
dren, friends, and members of the Sabbath school and congregation, 
therefore. 

We, the members of this Church, in regular church meeting as- 
sembled, do hereby solemnly and heartily record this our memorial 
of God's goodness to our Zion. Recognizing the principle in God's 
government, that where much is given, much shall be required, we 
engage by the aid of divine grace, to give evidence of the sincerity and 
gratitude expressed in our memorial, by renewed zeal and earnestness 
in his service. As a further expression of our gratitude, we appoint 
Wednesday of next week, July 22, a day of thanksgiving and praise 
to God for blessings bestowed, and of earnest prayer for a continuance 
of the same. Services to commence at six and half past ten o'clock 
A.M., and at three and seven forty-five o'clock p.m. 

These services so unusual were remarkably well attended. 

The subject of the congregation miiting with the choir in the 
service of singing on the Sabbath, was brought to the atten- 
tion of the Church by Mr. Henry H. Fish, the organist. After 
discussion, it was voted, ^^That it be introduced, and take effect 



22 History and Annals of the 

Sabbath afternoon, June 14, 1857." From that time to the 
present, '' congregational singing " has formed some part of 
the Sabbath service, either with or without a choir. 

1858. April. Extracts from pastor and deacons' annual 
report : 

The accessions to our number during the past year have been of a 
peculiarly interesting class. Sixteen of the number are young men, 
or men in active life. Twenty-eight are heads of families. Very few 
churches embrace so large a proportion of vigorous, energetic young 
men, and men in the vigor of manhood, as ours, and we feel that a 
corresponding responsibility rests upon us. The attendance on public 
worship has been larger than formerly. We regret to observe, however, 
on the part of some of our members, the want of a felt obligation to 
sustain our own ordinances by their constant attendance, believing as 
we do, that any indulgence in wandering will tend to unsettle and 
distract the mind, alienate the heart, as well as to excite itching 
ears. 

If memory serves correctly, it was about this time that Mr. 
Thurston preached one of his most powerful and characteristic 
sermons, from Proverbs 28:7: ^' As a bird wandereth from 
her nest, so is a man who wandereth from his place." 

1859. The record continues: 

A few weeks previous to our last annual meeting, some of our breth- 
ren established a daily morning prayer-meeting in the vestry, which 
during the spring became a union prayer-meeting and has been con- 
tinued at different places of worship during the year; it has been 
greatly blessed, in the promotion of fraternal feeling among the 
churches, and in the spiritual welfare of our members, who have done 
much towards sustaining it. The past year has been one long to be 
remembered in the annals of Zion, as a year of the right hand of God. 
Its record will form one of the most interesting chapters in the history 
of the Church. Converts from all classes, including the most hopeless 
and abandoned, have been multiplied. Our religious meetings have 
been fully attended and have borne evidence of the presence of the 
Holy Spirit, much spiritual good has been received, much growth 
in grace, knowledge, and christian experience attained unto, by our 
members. 



Central Congregational Church 23 

These union morning prayer-meetings referred to in the 
record, stirred the whole town, merchants closing their stores, 
mechanics suspending their work, hackmen hastening back 
from the depots to attend. The numbers were so large that 
the main auditoriums of the churches had to be opened; the 
floor and gallery seats were crowded; and the Spirit's presence 
and power was notably manifest in the confession of sin and 
the fervor of prayer and praise. 

Extract from treasurer's report of this year: 

The amount contributed during the past year for foreign missions 
is $3,143.30; while for all other charities less than $500.00 have been 
raised. It will be observed, that while as a Church we are making 
praiseworthy efforts in behalf of the heathen of other lands, we have 
not manifested that interest for the welfare of our own country which 
duty as well as policy would seem to demand. We bestow most of 
our labor and almsgiving on foreign fields, while our fallow ground 
remains unbroken. As a proof that we have lost most of our interest 
in the home effort, I call your attention to the fact that our contribu- 
tions for the Home Missionary Society have been sadly diminishing 
for several years past. In 1856, the collection for the Home Missionary 
Society was $365.07; in 1857, $268.11; in 1858, $221.00; and in 1859 
nothing, no collection having been taken for fourteen months for 
this object. If we cannot, for the future, maintain our large collec- 
tions for the former object but at the expense of the latter, let us seek 
for divine wisdom to guide us in our charities, as well as in the other 
duties of life. 

i860. In May, a new hymn book, the " Pl3niiouth Collec- 
tion," was introduced for use, both in public services on the 
Sabbath, and in the prayer and conference meetings. A 
special vote was passed that one dozen books, suitably 
marked, should be put in the vestry, '' Not to be Taken 
Away." 

A conmaunication was received from Dr. Edward N. Kirk, 
of Boston, asking that a member of the Evangelical Society of 
France might be allowed to present the claims of that society 
for aid. 



24 History and Annals of the 

Voted, ^' that in view of the pressing demands from our 
own home fields, we do not encourage his coming. '^ 
Did the treasurer's report bear fruit so soon? 

1861. April. Extract from pastor and deacons' annual 
report : 

We enter upon another year in our history under strange and un- 
precedented circumstances. It is to be hoped, that we shall not for- 
get amid the exciting scenes [the Civil War] through which we may 
be called to pass, that we belong to a kingdom which is not of this 
world — that we must ever war a spiritual warfare, even while en- 
listed in one which is carnal — wield the sword of the Spirit as well 
as the sword of steel — be conquerors through Christ in the bloodless 
victories of grace, as well as successful in saving our country from her 
invading foes. 

1862. June 9. Two additional Deacons were chosen at 
this time, namely, Elijah C. Kilburn and S. Angier Chace, 
making the board of Deacons five instead of three, as here- 
tofore. 

1863. April. During the first two thirds of the year 
(1862), the ways of Zion in the midst of us, mourned, because 
so few come to her solemn feasts. As the year was drawing 
to its close, some tokens of the divine presence began to be 
manifested, in an increased attendance upon the means of 
grace, and an impressive silence and solemnity in the house of 
God and the place of prayer. These indications deepened 
and grew more marked and significant, till at length God came 
down in great power. One and another in rapid succession 
found the way to the cross. The work progressed, till the 
numbers of conversions in this congregation may safely be 
computed at between 115 and 125. This outpouring of the 
Spirit may be regarded in many of its aspects as the most 
wonderful of any with which this Church has been blessed. 
A remarkable spirit of prayer pervaded the Church, and many 
of its members received a new impulse in the divine life, 
whose effects were to be felt, and seen, to the end of their 
days. 



Central Congregational Church 25 

December. The pastor stated to the Church that it was his 
purpose to deUver a Course of Lectures to the young men of 
the city on Sabbath evenings; and that in order to do so he 
would hke to have the assistance of some minister, to preach 
one half of the day each Sabbath, while he was delivering the 
lectures. The Church heartily concurred in this purpose, and 
the services of Rev. Nathaniel G. Bonney were secured to 
assist the pastor. 

In the early part of the year 1863, Mr. Henry H. Fish, who 
for eighteen years had so ably and faithfully performed the 
duties of organist and leader of the choir, felt obliged to resign 
his position in consequence of declining health. In August 
Miss Minnie Bronson was engaged as organist, which position 
she filled most acceptably until the middle of March, 1864, 
when she resigned in consequence of leaving the city. The 
1st of April, Mr. Lyman W. Deane, of Bristol, was chosen 
organist. The record says of him, '^ He is a young man of 
marked ability in his profession, has had several years' experi- 
ence in playing the organ, and we have every reason to believe 
will fully meet the wants of the choir." The expectations of 
the music committee were realized. Mr. Deane not only 
played the organ on the Sabbath, but led the music at the 
evening services, and much of the time conducted the musical 
exercises of the Sabbath school. He resigned in July, 1899, 
after a continuous and loving service of thirty-five years. 

1864. In 1864, the subject of districting the Church, in 
order to its better welfare, was brought to the attention of the 
Church by the pastor. It was decided that a division should 
be made, and each district be put under the watch and care 
of one or more members of the Church. The Church was 
divided into six districts of resident members, and a seventh 
of members living out of the city. A committee of three, 
one male and two females, was chosen for each district, to 
serve three months. The annual report for 1865, a year later, 
says, ^' The system of church visitation by its committees has 



26 History and Annals of the 

succeeded beyond the expectations of the most sanguine, and 
we can but hope has already accomphshed great good, and 
promises to be an instrumentaUty of lasting benefit." 

1866. In the report for 1866, is an out-looking suggestion 
which bore fruit some years later, to wit : 

Every cause, every enterprise, whether secular or sacred, needs at 
times something which shall break up the monotony of its course, 
throw it out of the stereotyped routine it has been pursuing, and 
inspire with fresh interest those who are laboring in its behalf. God 
in his providence has so arranged that there is an unusual amount of 
young life in this Church. It is intelligent, it is earnest, and it is capa- 
ble of accomplishing vast results for Christ and his kingdom in this 
place. It needs developing to a great extent ; it is dormant. Some- 
thing needs to be done, to turn it to a speedy account in the growth, 
usefulness, and aggressiveness of this Church. Is it a reconsecration 
of ourselves to God, and a fresh baptism of the Spirit? Let us set 
about it in earnest and never tire or rest till it be accomplished. Is 
it a change in its ministrations of the Word? Let no man stand in the 
way of the prosperity and efficiency of this precious Heaven-favored 
Church. Is it To Build a New Temple to the honor and praise of 
God, which shall by its attractions and superior accommodations 
invite every loiterer and idler to enter its gates and to bear part in its 
services, exclaiming " How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of 
hosts " ? Then let us rise up and build, inscribing on every stone, 
tile, and timber, " Holiness to the Lord." Whether it be one, or all, 
or something different, from either of these things which is needed, 
let us inquire first among ourselves, and principally of God, and what- 
ever the response, let every man stand in his lot, and be willing to 
bear his part, so that God may make this Church a power and praise 
in this place. 

1867. On April 14, there came a much-regretted break in 
official service, recorded as follows: 

The undersigned takes this opportunity to present his thanks to 
this Church for the confidence which elected him to the office of treas- 
urer for more than twenty-four years, and desires that some other 
person may be selected to fill the office, as it will not be possible for 
him to attend to its duties the coming year. 

Henry H. Fish. 




HENRY H. FISH 
Church Treasurer, A.D. 1843-1867 



Central Congregational Church 27 

The Church accepted the resignation, and voted " that the 
thanks of the Church be and hereby are tendered to Mr. Fish, 
who has so long and acceptably filled the position of treasurer 
of this Church." Mr. Richard B. Borden was unanimously 
elected to fill the vacancy, and continues to hold the office to 
the present time (1905). 

1868. Instead of the usual preparatory lecture in May, the 
evening service was made a social meeting in which all present 
were incited to take part, by relating their experience of the 
love of Christ in their hearts. This was a service so unusual 
as to be thought worthy of mention in the church records. 

1869. Early in the year the pastor brought to the atten- 
tion of the Church the observance of a day of fasting and 
prayer. Much discussion followed, resulting in a vote " that 
the Bible class room should be opened every afternoon the 
ensuing week, at three o'clock, that any of the Church who 
choose may meet together for prayer." 

April. Extracts from the last annual report of Dr. 
Thurston: 

A true pictui'e of the Chui'ch at this time would exhibit a goodly 
number whose walk is exemplary, whose labors in various directions 
are abundant, earnest, and persistent. The picture would also show 
a larger number who seem sadly indifferent to the spiritual interests 
of Zion; are inconstant in their attendance upon the stated appoint- 
ments of the Chm'ch, and the ordinances of God's house ; seldom cheer 
us by their words, and too often fail to encom-age us, even by their 
presence. There is but one thuig we need, to make this Chitrch a gi-eat 
power for good. It is not material resom-ces, it is not social position 
and influence ; these God has given her. She needs only the baptism 
of the Hol}^ Ghost, to consecrate these gifts and graces to the cause of 
Christ and the sa^dng of men, and she will have " all things and 
abound." ^lay the great Head of the Church give us grace to enter 
upon a new year in a new and better spirit, that such happy results 
may flow through, and crown the year. 

In June, congregational singing without a choir was intro- 
duced, and a new hymn book, " Songs for the Sanctuary," 



28 History and Annals of the 

was selected for use by the congregation. The Society pur- 
chased the books, and placed two copies in each pew, with 
fifty in the vestry for use in the evening prayer-meetings. 
Voted, in September, '^ that the pastor request the congrega- 
tion, in the service of singing on the Sabbath, to rise when the 
organ begins to play the last line of the tune to be sung, 
that each one may be ready to sing the first word of the 
hymn." This vote has never been rescinded. 

Death of Dr. Thutston 



December 19-20, 1869. The saddest time of all the year 
to Central Church, came at midnight of this day, when Dr. 
Thurston was called from the church militant to the church 
triumphant. 



In consequence of the death of the pastor, the communion 
service was postponed from the first to the second Sabbath in 
January, at which time Rev. Dr. Thayer, of Newport, kindly 
offered to officiate. 

Action of the Chtttch 

1870. January 10. The regular meeting of the Church was 
held, with Deacon Nathan Durfee in the chair. After sing- 
ing, and prayer by Rev. E. A. Buck, and the reading of the 
records, all routine business was laid on the table. The chair- 
man addressed the members present, suggesting that " in 
view of the loss this Church has sustained in the death of its 
beloved pastor — its deep sympathy with his bereaved family, 
and in recognition of the kind words, and offices of love given 
by others at the time of his death and funeral, it would 
doubtless be in consonance with their feelings that a series 
of resolutions should be prepared expressive of the same." 
It was then voted ^^ that the deacons, with Rev. E. A. Buck, 
be a committee to draft resolutions." 



Central Congregational Church 29 

Resolutions on the Death of Dr. Thurston 

The committee reported the following resolutions, which 
were accepted, and ordered to be spread upon the records. 

It having pleased the great Head of the Church to remove from 
us and take to his heavenly mansion our late beloved pastor, 

Resolved, That although, in obedience to human and christian 
instincts and by encouragement of Christ's example, we sorrow and 
weep at our loss, we will strive not to sorrow for the christian dead, 
but rather weep for the sins that unfit us to follow him. 

Resolved, That we regard the death of our pastor, in the vigor of 
his manhood, and apparently in the full tide of his usefulness, to be 
for him a triumph and a glory, and that we hear a voice from heaven 
saying, '' Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence- 
forth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; 
and their works do follow them." 

Resolved, That the life and holy example of our late pastor have 
faithfully taught us that we are not our own, that we belong to God 
our Creator, and to Jesus Christ our Saviour; that God has made us 
for his own glory, and Christ has redeemed us for a yet higher accom- 
plishment of the same end; that our place is that of servants, and the 
gospel calls us to our work ; and that our present affliction shall be an 
incentive to new courage, and an earnest of future honor. 

Resolved, That we will especially remember the teachings drawn 
from God's Holy Word, so often, so faithfully, and so appropriately 
repeated, that we should dwell together in unity, in brotherly love, 
and in christian affection, and that whosoever w411 be chiefest shall 
be servant of all. 

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the afflicted family 
of our deceased pastor, and assure them, that while our own hearts beat 
in sympathy with theirs, our prayers shall be, that they may be sup- 
ported and comforted by the God of all consolation, by the remem- 
brance of the excellencies of the departed husband and father, and 
the hope of a reunion as an unbroken family in heaven. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Church be given to Dr. W. W. 
Adams for the kind and christian sympathy manifested, and the 
services rendered to us after the decease and at the burial of our pastor. 

Resolved, That our thanks be given to the First Congregational 
Church and society, for their fraternal kindness in closing their church. 



30 History and Annals of the 

and meeting with us in a memorial service on the Sabbath succeeding 
the death of our pastor. 

Resolved, That our thanks be given to Rev. P. B. Haughwout for 
the words of christian love and fellowship spoken by him at the funeral 
of his friend and our pastor. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Church be given to Rev. Dr. Sweet- 
ser, for his prompt response to our call to address us at the funeral 
of our pastor, and for his faithful words of exhortation ; that we look 
up from our sorrow, with joyfulness and thanksgiving that God had so 
long blessed us with such a faithful preacher and pastor. 

Resolved, That Rev. Dr. Thayer has our hearty and sincere thanks 
for his very appropriate and impressive services in connection with 
the burial of our pastor, for his ministrations on the following Sabbath, 
for his sympathy with us as a Church of God, and for his kind offer 
to perform other ministerial service. 

Voted, That the Church assume the expenses incurred at the funeral 
arrangements and burial of our pastor. 

Voted, That the Church recommend to the Society the continuance 
of our late pastor's salary to his family to the close of the pastoral year. 

The following resolutions ofTered by Brother Charles J. 
Holmes were adopted and ordered to be recorded : 

Resolved, That the Church has learned with pleasure of the prompt 
action of its deacons, in purchasing a lot in Oak Grove Cemetery for 
the burial of our late pastor. 

Resolved, That as the Society is the financial body which provides 
all funds for the support of the ministry, the Church do recommend 
that the Society assume the expense of the burial lot, and also that 
they procure a suitable monument, in a proper time, to be placed 
thereon. 

Resolved, That as the Society is composed only of gentlemen, and 
many of the ladies and children of the congregation would be pleased 
to contribute for the expense of the burial lot and monument, the 
Church recommend that the Society offer an opportunity to all to 
contribute such sums as may please them, either in sealed or open 
envelopes, marked '' Pastor's Monument,'' — all monies so contributed 
to be kept sacredly separate for this purpose. 

The Society adopted the recommendations of the Church. 




Rev. MICHAEL BURNHAM, D.D. 

Third Pastor, A.D. 1870-1882 



Central Congregational Church 31 

Rev. Michael Burnham, D.D. 

Third Pastor, A.D, J870-J882 

1870. With a solemn sense of the new responsibiUties and 
duties devolving upon the Church, a committee for supplying 
the pulpit was appointed on January 17, 1870, consisting of 
the deacons, with Charles J. Holmes, Henry H. Fish, Robert 
K. Remington, and Thomas J. Borden. This committee so 
successfully fulfilled its duties, that less than five months 
expired before the Church and Society united heartily in 
extending to the Rev. Michael Burnham, who was then com- 
pleting his studies at Andover Theological Seminary, a call 
to become pastor at a salary of twenty-five hundred dollars. 
The signers of the formal call were Deacon Nathan Durfee, 
Henry H. Fish, and Thomas J. Borden, on behalf of the Church, 
and John H. Boone and Asa Eames, on behalf of the Society. 

Mr. Burnham accepted the call, but requested that for his 
own rest and recuperation, the ordination services be deferred 
until October. During the early autumn, extensive repairs 
were made upon the interior of the church edifice, the exterior 
having been recently repainted, and the steeple, which had 
been damaged by the memorable gale of September, 1869, hav- 
ing been repaired. Preaching services were discontinued for 
a period of five weeks, while the whole interior of the building 
was thoroughly cleaned, the auditorimn and halls repainted, 
frescoed, and partially recarpeted. The zeal of the people in 
lightening the expense of this imdertaking is shown by the 
record that the ladies made the new carpets and repaired and 
refitted the old ones, and that ^' a member of the Society gener- 
ousty volunteered to paint the pews." 

To a imited Church of over three hundred members, and 
to a thoroughly renovated house of worship came the young 
clergyman, zealous for service in this his first parish. He 
was cordially approved by the ecclesiastical council, which 



32 History and Annals of the 

had been regularly convened, and was ordained and installed 
on the evening of Tuesday, October 25, 1870, the order of 
services being as follows: Singing, ^^ Joyful be the hours 
to-day "; reading of record of council. Rev. A. E. Dunning, 
Boston, one of Mr. Burnham's classmates; prayer. Rev. 
Thatcher Thayer, D.D., Newport; reading of Scripture, Mr. 
Terry; prayer; singing, '' Jerusalem, the glorious ''; sermon. 
Prof. J. H. Seelye, Amherst; singing, '' With heavenly power, 
Lord, defend him whom we now to thee commend "; or- 
daining prayer and laying on of hands. Rev. W. W. Adams, 
Fall River; charge to pastor. Rev. J. M. Bacon, Essex, Mr. 
Burnham's former pastor; right hand of fellowship. Rev. 
A. E. Dunning; charge to people. Rev. Thatcher Thayer, D.D. ; 
singing, ^' We bid thee welcome in the name of Jesus, our 
exalted Head"; prayer. Rev. Isaac Dunham, Westport; 
benediction, pastor. Owing to an accident to his train, Pro- 
fessor Seelye was unable to be present, and the sermon was 
therefore necessarily omitted. 

It may be of interest to note, that at a church meeting in 
April, 1870, one of the brethren called attention to the fact 
that it had become somewhat common for church members 
to indulge in card-playing at their social gatherings, and, as 
he believed such a practice not in accordance with the teachings 
of Christ, he offered this resolution, '^ That this Church dis- 
countenance the use of cards altogether." The resolution 
was lost by a tie vote, but upon being modified to read, 
" Resolved, that the Church does not approve of card-playing 
in all its forms," it was unanimously adopted. 

187 1. The last formal action of the Church under Dr. 
Thurston's leadership had provided for a revision of the Church 
roll. The committee then appointed completed its work, and 
early in 1871 published a church manual according to the 
usual form, but which contained, in addition to the revised 
chronological list of members, the new feature of an alpha- 
betical list of living members. 



Central Congregational Church 33 

1872. January ushered in a year memorable in spiritual 
blessing, the ingathering to the fold of the Church being ex- 
ceeded on only three other occasions to the present day. We 
quote from the pastor's annual report : 

Who shall say that God's providences with this Church during the 
past three years of its history have not prepared the way for receiv- 
ing the blessing he has given us in spiritual things? We shall not for- 
get that third Sabbath evening in January, when there were eight 
who came forward to express a desire to know and live for Christ. 
It was the beginning of a glorious season, and many among us, of your 
sons and daughters and brothers and sisters, are to-night rejoicing in 
the hope of forgiveness. The interest in religion in the Sabbath school 
has been quite general and it has reached some in our congregation. 
And still the work goes on. This revival has been characterized by 
quietness, and disposition among those who have indulged hope, to 
lead others to Christ. God is with us. God is willing to remain with 
us. See how he has wrought in our meetings for prayer! See how 
he is still working! Let us never receive his rebuke hereafter for 
indifference. We have to report also, and report gladly, a growing 
disposition on the part of the young men to assist in our meetings 
for conference and prayer. 

At the annual meeting, 1872, the Church appointed a com- 
mittee of three ladies, Mrs. S. Angier Chace, Mrs. Thomas J. 
Borden, and Mrs. WilUam B. Durfee, '^ to attend to cases of 
sickness and destitution in the Church," a service which had 
previously been rendered quietly but verj^ faithfully and ac- 
ceptably by the senior deacon. This committee, changed and 
enlarged in membership from time to time, and later known as 
the '' Relief Committee," has continued through all the sub- 
sequent years. It has been notable for the length of term 
which its members have served, and as the Church has doubled 
in size since its first appointment, it has found opportunities 
for its ministry constantly increasing. But the ladies who 
have held this sacred trust have ever given glad and devoted 
service to the needy ones in our Church fellowship. 

At the same meeting a Sabbath-school society was organ- 



34 History and Annals of the 

ized. This movement was the result of a desire that the 
Church assume the responsibiUty of the Pleasant Street Mis- 
sion School, and that it also extend its influence by organizing 
and maintaining Sabbath schools in other parts of the city. 
Further particulars of the Sabbath school work are given in 
the pages following, but we may note in passing, that during 
the following few years one and another of the brethren re- 
quested of the Church formal leave of absence from the after- 
noon Sabbath service, that they might engage in Sabbath 
school or Young Men's Christian Association work in other 
sections of the city. 

In April, 1872, the parsonage and lot on Walnut Street were 
presented to the Central Congregational Society, the house 
having been recently built by means of voluntary contribu- 
tions from certain members of the Church. It was occupied 
by Mr. Burnham's family, and later by that of Dr. Mix, until 
its sale, July 13, 1886. 

1873. It was in January, 1873, that the First and Central 
churches first held union services during the " week of prayer," 
and such an observance was several times repeated in subse- 
quent years. 

1874. An item in the Society's records for 1874, suggests 
the appropriateness of here explaining the change which had 
been brought about in the manner of holding church property. 
The ownership of the old church was originally vested in the 
pew-holders, upon whom the board of assessors made assess- 
ments for the regular expenses of the Society. As some of 
the members owned large numbers of pews and personally 
rented them, still being subject to assessments upon them, 
this method of conducting the finances became after a time 
complicated and unsatisfactory. Especially, as the dis- 
cussion of a new building suggested a possible future sale of 
the old church, it was thought desirable that the pews be sold 
to the Society or voluntarily deeded to it. An experimental 
five-year plan, which was adopted in 1867, proved the advan- 



Central Congregatio7ial Church 35 

tage of such action, so that when the new church was being 
built the pew-holders generally relinquished their owner- 
ship. Some members, however, clung to the old idea of 
owning their pews, and several years were required to bring 
about the desired change in its completeness. In April, 1874, 
the assessors reported that only four pews remained as private 
property. The last one of these was conveyed to the Society 
in the same year in which the old church was sold. The own- 
ership of the new church has, from the first, been vested in 
the Society, and money for the running expenses has been 
raised by an annual rental of pews, supplemented by volun- 
tary contributions. 

1875. On February 3, the Church was privileged to partici- 
pate in the ordination of one of its own sons. Rev. William N. T. 
Dean, who had for eight years been a member of Central 
Church, and who was, on the above date, installed as pastor 
over the Congregational Church in Somerset, Mass. Mr. 
Dean received his education at Bangor Theological Seminary, 
graduating in 1873, and at the Union Theological Seminary, 
New York City, where he took special courses in 1873-74. 
He has held pastorates in Somerset, Norton, Orange, Oxford, 
and Whately, Mass., the latter of which he has held since 
April 1, 1900. 

Other sons who entered the ministry were Rev. William J. 
Batt and Rev. Nathaniel G. Bonney. 

Mr. Batt was born in Fall River, graduated from Brown 
University in 1855, and from Andover Theological Seminary 
in 1858. He filled pastorates at Stoneham, New Bedford, 
and Leominster, Mass., and in 1885 was appointed chaplain 
of the Massachusetts Reformatory at Concord Junction, Mass., 
a position which he has ever since filled with marked success. 
He has served as president of the National Chaplains' Asso- 
ciation since 1897. 

Mr. Bonney was a student at Brown University, and gradu- 
ated from Andover Theological Seminary in 1862. He was 



36 History and Annals of the 

pastor at Peru, Mass., Poquonnock, Falls Village, East Hart- 
ford, and Hanover, Conn., and died at Hartford, Conn., 
April 12, 1883. He assisted Rev. Dr. Thurston in his pulpit 
work in the winter of 1863-64, and was the author of various 
published sermons and historical sketches. 

1875. At the annual meeting in April, an effort to increase 
the hospitality of the Church was made, by the appointment 
of a committee of ten, " to attend upon strangers who come 
among us, with a view to making their home with us," and 
the custom of appointing such a committee was continued for 
nine consecutive years. 

Also, it was voted, ^' that the term of office of one deacon 
shall expire at the close of each year, in the order of seniority 
in office, and the vacancy shall be filled by election at the 
annual meeting. This rule shall not apply to the two present 
senior deacons." 

The month of May was marked by the ordination to the 
christian ministry, under the auspices of the Church, of Rev. 
Robert F. Gordon, formerly of Scotland, who at the time was 
serving as leader in the Sabbath school work at Globe Village, in 
which certain members of the Church were especially interested. 

We honor the memory of him who was the first chosen 
deacon of Central Church — Deacon Benjamin Earl — and 
who, through thirty-one years of its history, had failed but 
once, and that because of absence from the city, to attend to 
supplying the communion table. Deacon Earl resigned that 
especial duty in September, 1875. The service was then per- 
formed by Deacon Kilburn until his decease, in 1884, when it 
devolved upon Deacon Holmes, who has served to the present 
day. Thus the preparation of the communion table has been 
in charge of but three deacons during a period of sixty-one 
years. While we give the official record of this labor of 
love, we would also mention with appreciation, the large share 
which the deacons' wives have had in its accomplishment. 
The silver and linen have always received their personal care. 




% 




Robert K. Remington 



Thomas J. Borden 



Holder B. Durfee 



Wm. H. Jennings 



BUILDING COMMITTEE OF SECOND CHURCH EDIFICE 

Central Congregational Church, Fall River, Mass. 

A.D. 1874-1875 



Central Congregational Church 37 

and we feel that in the early days, when it was customary to 
do much of the work in the home, there must have been a 
special blessing which came from the preparation for this feast 
of our Lord's appointing. 

We have now come to the time when the Church bade fare- 
well to the meeting house on Bedford Street, in which it had 
worshiped since its earliest days, and formally entered a 
beautiful new edifice on Rock Street. On December 12, 1875, 
the people assembled in large mmibers to take leave of the 
'' Old Church " building. The pastor preached from the text 
found in II Peter 3:1, '^ I stir up your pure minds by way of 
remembrance," reviewing the history of the Church, and pay- 
ing tribute to its former pastors, and to those who had helped 
to sustain it. 

The inception of a desire for a larger and more substantial 
house of worship carries us back to Dr. Thurston's ministry, 
and, if the story of its realization were fully written, it 
would include tales of patient toil and devotion, through 
times of financial discouragement and great distress of heart. 
Dr. Thurston had time and again urged his people to ^' build 
for the Lord a house of stone and mortar," and the initial 
steps were already taken, a site selected, and a subscription 
list opened, when financial depression and Dr. Thurston's 
sudden death checked the work. 

In March, 1872, a fresh effort was made, and Thomas J. 
Borden, Robert K. Remington, and William H. Jennings were 
appointed a committee to report upon a suitable location and 
to obtain plans for a building. This committee continued in 
office, with the later addition of Holder B. Durfee, until the 
completion of the enterprise, their duties being increased to 
include the raising of funds, the contracting for the building, 
and the supervising of its erection and furnishing; and to their 
faithful and efficient service we are in great measure indebted 
for the beautiful and homelike structure which quickly won 
its way into the affections of our people. 



38 History and Annals of the 

A subscription paper was started with two gifts of forty 
thousand dollars each^ from Dr. Nathan Durfee and Col. 
Richard Borden, and these amounts were later liberally in- 
creased. Many other members of the Church and congrega- 
tion made generous contributions, and with a subscription 
of over one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, the 
work of building was undertaken. 

The location on Rock Street, between Franklin and Bank 
streets, comprises nearly one hundred and ten square rods of 
land. The building, designed by Hartwell, Swasey & Co., 
of Boston, is of brick, with trimmings of Nova Scotia freestone, 
and is in the Victoria Early English Gothic style. It has a 
regular seating capacity of twelve hundred, which may be 
increased to eighteen hundred when necessary. 

Work upon the foundations was commenced in May, 1874. 
The basement walls and brick pillars to support the floor were 
put in, and on July 22 of the same year the congregation 
assembled, and with appropriate services the cornerstone was 
laid by the senior deacons of the church, Benjamin Earl and 
Dr. Nathan Durfee. A box, properly sealed and placed under 
the stone, contained the '' Confession of Faith of the Central 
Congregational Church"; a list of past and present pastors, 
officers, and members; a list of subscribers to the building 
fund; the architects' specifications; ^' History of Fall River " ; 
and copies of the local and religious papers. (See order of 
exercises in Supplement.) 

For the especial purpose of securing a suitable church 
organ, the building committee was increased by the addition 
of Lyman W. Deane, Newton R. Earl, and Charles Durfee, 
and the notably sweet-toned instrument which was pur- 
chased under their direction still testifies to the success of 
their efforts. The organ was manufactured by Hook & 
Hastings, of Boston, and voiced by John H. Willcox, an 
accomplished organist and musician, who gave to the instru- 
ment the stamp of his individual genius. The organ has 




Colonel RICHARD BORDEN 







o 

w 

O two 



Central Congregational Church 39 

what is known as the tracker action, 2,147 pipes, 33 speak- 
ing stops, and 2 manuals. 

The bell which w^as hung in the tower of the church, and 
which still calls us to worship, is the one which was presented 
by Col. Richard Borden at the time of the building of the old 
meeting house. 

On the exterior of the building the following mottoes cut 
in stone invite the passers-by to worship: ^'Praise ye the 
Lord "; '' Let us exalt His name together "; " Seek ye the 
Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is 
near '' ; and on the arches over the pulpit platform are the 
inscriptions : ^' The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus 
Christ our Lord "; '' Worship the Lord in the beauty of hoH- 
ness.^' 

The hieroglyphic character of the decorative fresco design, 
which was finally used for the upper background of the pulpit 
recess, has aroused so much curiosity, as people have seen it 
for the first time, that an interpretation of this quaint Latin 
sjnubol may be found interesting. It is in triangular form, 
and is an illustration of the doctrine of the Trinity as pre- 
sented in the Athanasian creed. In the center is the word 
'^ Deus," from which radiate three lines, each bearing the Latin 
'' est," and each reaching to one of the thi'ee points of the 
diagram, where are the letters '' P," '' F," '' SS," respect- 
ively; thus signifying: ^^ The Father is God "; ^^ The Son 
is God "; '' The Holy Spu-it is God.'' The three sides of the 
triangle each bear the inscription, ^^ non est"; thus com- 
pleting the reading: '' The Father is not the Son," '' The Son 
is not the Holy Spkit," '' The Holy Spnit is not the Father." 
In this way is symbolized the completed doctrine of the 
Trinity: '' One Substance, Three Persons." 

North of the pulpit, upon the projecting wall of the 
pastor's room, is the beautiful Memorial Tablet which was 
presented by the Ladies' Beneficent Society. It is of 
Tennessee marble, set on an arched panel of fine-finished 



40 History and Annals of the 

gray sandstone richly carved, the whole rendered effective 
by its black-walnut background. It bears the following 
inscription: 

Central Congregational Church, 
organized november 16, 1842. 



First Pastor. 

Rev. Samuel Washburn 

Installed April 24, 1844. Dismissed Jan. 2, 1849. 

A refined scholar, 
A genial and beloved pastor. 



Second Pastor. 

Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D. 

Installed March 21, 1849. Died Dec. 20, 1869. 

As a preacher able and bold, 

As a pastor faithful and devoted, 

In the community 

Fearless to expose evil, 

And a power for good. 

Among other gifts at the time the church was built, were 
the beautiful stained-glass picture of ^' Jerusalem/' set in the 
cloister window of the south parlor, and five large framed 
photographs which have ever since hung in the north parlor, 
all presented by Robert K. Remington; also the piano, which 
was until recently used in the parlors, and which now does 
service in the Primary Department of the Bible school, given 
by Niels Arnzen. The pictures above referred to are from 
bas-reliefs of Thorwaldsen. They represent the four evan- 
gelists, each riding upon a winged creature, Matthew's, with 
the face of a man; Mark's, with the face of a lion; Luke's, 
with the face of an ox; and John's, with the face of an eagle, 
— in accordance with the symbols in Ezekiel's vision. The 
fifth picture is '' Mary with Jesus and John." 




PASTORS' MEMORIAL TABLET 
Central Congregational Church, Fall River, Mass, 



Central Congregational Church 41 

A little more than a year and a half was spent in the con- 
struction of the building, and on Monday evening, December 
13, 1875, more than two thousand people assembled for its 
formal dedication according to the following program : Organ 
volimtary; anthem, '' Praise the Lord," Mozart; invocation 
by Rev. J. W. Wellman, D.D., Maiden (because of the ab- 
sence of Rev. Thatcher Thayer, D.D., to whom the part had 
been assigned); response by the choir, ''Ponder my words, 
Lord," Haydn; reading of the Scriptures, Rev. W. W. 
Adams, D.D., Fall River; hjnnn, '' Christ is our Cornerstone "; 
sermon, text John 17: 20, Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D.D., 
Brooklyn; hymn, '' Oh, bow thine ear. Eternal One "; dedi- 
catory prayer, pastor; anthem, '' How beautiful are Thy 
dwellings!". Leach; doxology; benediction by the pastor. 
(See copy of program in Supplement.) 

But not all was joy on this seemingly bright occasion. A 
most trying combination of circumstances had thrust a heavy 
financial burden upon the Church, and at the annual meeting 
soon after the dedication of the building, the assessors reported 
'' the old property still on hand, with an indebtedness of 
one himdred thousand dollars." Under this debt, annually 
increased by interest charges, the Church struggled for four 
weary years, until, in a single day, by an almost superhuman 
effort, the weight was lifted. That eventful day will ever 
remain one of the most memorable in the history of the Church, 
and its story is here told with vivid realism by Mrs. Eli 
Thurston, who participated in its events and wrote under 
their inspiration. 

It was Sabbath morning, February 1, 1880. A radiant and sunny 
morning, with the air just crisp and cool enough to give zest and tone 
to the body, and cheerfulness and hope to the heart. 

The congregation of our people had assembled at our usual hour of 
worship, and with no intimation that anything unusual was to happen. 
The multitude were seated; there was the accustomed stir and tread 
of the few late-comers, and then in reverent silence we awaited the 



42 History and Annals of the 

entrance of the pastor. Immediately, and to our sm'prise, another 
door of the pastor's anteroom opened, and in solemn procession came 
forth some eight or ten of the gentlemen of the Church who quietly- 
seated themselves in their usual places. We had recognized in their 
grave and careworn faces all the officers of the Church and the busi- 
ness committee of the Society. Something of serious importance was 
to take place! A thrill of expectant foreboding was taking possession 
of all minds when the pastor entered the pulpit, and with him, our 
friend and almost colleague pastor. Rev. Alexander McKenzie, D.D., 
of Cambridge. This, for a moment, increased the wonder, but the little 
spasm of doubt and fear was coming rapidly to be displaced by an 
inward smile of welcome and gratulation, when, after the doxology 
and a brief invocation by the pastor, we were called upon to sing the 
hymn beginning " Awake, ye saints, awake." 

This seemed ominous, and was followed by fervent prayer from Dr. 
McKenzie for strength, and grace, and blessing, in the performance of 
some exalted, but specially trying duty. Devout, also, were his 
uttered thanksgivings for the history of the Church, in all its years 
of the past. There was in that prayer much that reminded one of the 
deep sympathy and pathos which came out in the supplications for 
the Church, by our dear friend Professor Barbour, last summer, when 
he said: " O Lord, thou hast sore wounded, cast down, and broken 
this Church, but it is not destroyed ; hast thou not ever had a rivulet of 
blessing running through it ? " Then we sang again — the hymn which 
has upheld and supported thousands of faint and weary hearts, from 
the time it was written, until now, — 

" How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, 
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word.'' 

Had some calamity again overtaken us? Were we to pass once more 
through some fiery trial? Had we not long been abased in the dust, 
and our very name cast out as evil? Had not the furrows of time, 
and the gray hairs of age, come upon our young men in this Church 
simply through suffering? Had not our dear pastor for long months 
been an invalid in exile for the same cause, and now what more was 
God about to require of us? 

Breathlessly we listened to the announcement that we were to lift 
that day, from off the Church, the great burden of debt which op- 
pressed it! Nothing could be more unexpected and strange than such 
a proposition, and to the majority of the congregation, nothing could 



Central Congregational Church 43 

seem more impossible. Then our pastor told us that our debt 
amounted to one hundred and twelve thousand dollars. As an ofifset 
to this, we held the old church property, which the committee esti- 
mated as worth thirty-two thousand dollars, the interest of which had 
been provided for. This left a debt of eighty thousand dollars, which 
we were to undertake to raise, and which he felt sm*e would be accom- 
plished before the day was done. 

Among the crowded and exciting scenes which followed on this 
most memorable day, the impression made by our pastor's brief 
address was not for a moment effaced. He spoke with a calmness and 
quiet assurance, which only strong faith can give, and with the force 
of reason and facts that give to language its truest eloquence. Few of 
us knew of the days and weeks of labor he had devoted to this work 
in preparation for this hour — of the fraternal encouragement, the 
liberal gifts, the large-hearted sympathy, which his solicitations and 
representations of our need had elicited from other men and other 
churches, and which helped him now to look with some hope upon 
the work before us. 

Then om- friend Dr. McKenzie came forward and prefaced his 
address by saying that no one outside of our church could feel a deeper 
and warmer interest in its welfare, than he. For seven consecutive 
seasons he had ministered to this people, in the absence of their pas- 
tor. They had been seasons of profit and enjoyment, and the culmina- 
tion of this interest was reached during the past summer, when he 
was permitted to be with us for five Sabbaths. 

He had come to help us pay our debt ; many friends were praying 
for us, and we should be specially remembered in the prayers of his 
own church that day. His pulpit was supplied by Dr. Alden, who 
knew us, and knew our pastor, and with warm sympathy was giving 
the labor of this day to help us. He was somewhat prepared for this 
work through his acquaintance with the methods pursued by Mr. 
Kimball, who had so successfully devoted his talents to this peculiar 
business, and from having passed through the experience with his own 
church. 

" But,'' said he, " I shall not expect the thing to succeed unless 
a great many of you say ' It cannot be done.' I have never yet heard 
of a people where this work was imdertaken, who did not say ' It can- 
not be done.' I want to see some of you drop your heads, and show 
by your manner that you feel the thing to be hopeless. It may not be 
philosophy, but it is the history, so far as I know, of this movement, 
and I shall not feel sure of success if you all feel so yourselves.'' 



44 History and Annals of the 

He said it would more than all things else require patience. It 
was a slow process, and we must make up our minds to spend the 
whole day upon it, and it would probably take till midnight. But 
to be free from debt would be like resurrection to new life. To be 
fettered and crippled in all our work and usefulness by a debt which 
cost us yearly seven thousand dollars, and then the next year seven 
thousand more, and when we had given this sum for five years or ten 
years the sum still remained ; we could only look upon it as a burden 
which good sense and every high and christian motive should lead us 
to remove. 

He thought it a sacred work, most intimately bound up with the 
honor and glory of the Church of God, and therefore most appropri- 
ate to the Sabbath day and the house of His worship. 

He urged that our service would be a better service — our preaching 
— our prayers — our singing — our sacraments, all better. 

We were told that lunch would be served in the middle of the day, 
and supper at night, and all were requested to remain and aid in the 
work. 

The canvassers were now requested to distribute cards thi-oughout 
the house, upon which the several subscriptions should be written — 
the whole amount was to be raised, or the individual contract become 
void, and three years allowed for payment, interest to be collected 
after the first year. 

Dr. McKenzie then said he would call first for five subscriptions 
of three thousand dollars each, and no less sum would be received 
until those were made. 

It was a moment of breathless suspense, and in the faces of our 
canvassers we read the thought that all felt, that not one man in that 
house had three thousand dollars that he could give away if he would. 
The silence seemed long and oppressive, though it was only for a mo- 
ment, and then some voice hinted that the collectors were not on 
duty. This gentleman held in his hand the talismanic card, the first 
three thousand dollars given for the canceling of eighty thousand! 
What a relief to see it actually carried to the pulpit and to hear the 
sum announced. Only a moment or two more, and the five subscrip- 
tions were filled. Could it be possible ! — was it no miracle that so soon 
we had fifteen thousand dollars in the treasury? 

This sum was so easily raised that it was proposed to double it with 
five subscriptions more of three thousand dollars each. If this could 
be accomplished, it would give thirty thousand dollars from ten indi- 
viduals. People began to walk about and to speak with one another. 



Central Congregational Church 45 

It would occur to several at the same time that here was a man, and 
there was another, who had through life-long industry and economy 
acquired more than a competency. Would they give three thousand 
dollars, at once, and on the instant, to this object? They would not 
spend three thousand dollars to augment their style of living, nor half 
that sum in recreation or pleasure. Did they truly love the Church 
of God, and the moral welfare of our city more than these? Yes, they 
did, and they gave this large sum, not only with a generous hand, 
but with a christian heart. 

The pastor offered to give the last three thousand dollars from the 
reserved funds held in trust by him, and this proved a stimulus greatly 
to be prized. It helped to move the hinges of the half-opened doors, 
and to strengthen a wavering purpose, to feel that the goal was so 
near. 

It was past one o'clock when this crisis was reached, and we 
adjourned, joyfully and hopefully, to a very simple lunch in the parlors. 

Some went to their homes, but returned speedily with many of the 
absentees from the morning service, and the afternoon work was 
resumed after prayer by Rev. Mr. Buck, and some very pertinent and 
interesting remarks from Dr. McKenzie. 

It was now proposed to obtain ten subscriptions of two thousand 
dollars. This consumed more time than the first subscriptions. The 
fuU result was not reached until nearly dark, when a recess was taken, 
and supper served in the parlors to all who wished it. Many remained 
from intense interest in this novel and absorbing work — too excited 
to care whether they ate or not — too excited to know that they 
were very weary. 

We had now a pledge for fifty thousand dollars, and had thirty 
thousand to raise. We had been warned that it would be a slower 
process to obtain the smaller amounts than the large, but all were now 
inspired with zeal and hope, and felt sanguine of ultimate success. 
We took fresh com'age, and went on. 

Without, the weather had grown severely cold, and the wind strong 
and piercing, but within, the thermometer was constantly on the rise, 
not only as connected with the furnace, but in the quickened pulsa- 
tions of heart and brain. 

There was still much to do, and time could not be taken for gratu- 
lation or rest, and the evening work was resumed, after prayer by Mr. 
Holmes. Fifteen subscriptions of one thousand dollars each were 
called for, which was followed by a quick response from many quarters, 
and the list rapidly filled. Individual contributions were numerous, 



46 History and Annals of the 

and were supplemented by one card from the ladies of the Beneficent 
Society, and one from the young men. 

When the five hundred dollars were called for, the young ladies sent 
up a card for that amount, having had a meeting and voted to earn 
it. And the boys had been busy with pencil and paper, and when 
these smaller sums were collected, had ready their cards representing 
many names and a delightful enthusiasm, and the children entered 
warmly into the spirit of the occasion, and added their mite to some 
of the lists of lesser sums. 

It was growing late, when, without further formality, it was an- 
nounced that all sums of greater or less value could be sent in, and it 
was here that the feeling of the long day culminated. It was when the 
dear names of the poor in this world's goods, but the rich in faith, 
laid their offerings on this sacred altar. Very many were the precious 
gifts that came from the members of the Mission School, and often and 
always has this Church been cheered and helped by their affectionate 
devotion. Some of the classes pledged fifty dollars, others twenty- 
five and fifteen, and men and families who depended on their daily 
labor for all their needs, gave most heartily and generously. The 
spirit of the occasion throughout the day, had been most fitting ta 
the holiness of the Sabbath and the house of the Lord. A subdued 
and quiet tone of feeling rested on all the people. 

We had received, as the aggregate of all the money pledged, about 
seventy-six thousand dollars, and some were absent who would claim 
the privilege of making up the deficiency, and so, at half-past eleven, 
with a glad heart we sang 

" Praise God from whom all blessings flow." 

Thus ended this most remarkable day in the history of the Central 
Church in Fall River. '' It was the Lord's doing, and marvellous in 
our eyes." His covenant with his people had been renewed before our 
eyes. " Zion said, ' The Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath 
forgotten me.' " And he had said by his dealings with us: "I am 
jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy, and I am 
very sore displeased with those at ease in her, and who have helped 
forward her affliction." And now — " Thus saith the Lord, I am 
returned unto Zion and will dwell in the midst of her. Behold, I have 
graven thee upon the palms of my hands, thy walls are continually 
before me, and the covenant of my peace shall not be removed, saith 
the Lord that hath mercy on thee." 



Central Congregational Church 47 

This story is not complete without some mention of the 
people's expressed appreciation of the labor and devotion of 
the two men who had succored them in the time of distress. 
At the annual meeting of the Society, April 28, 1880, the fol- 
lowing resolution was unanimously adopted: " The Society 
acknowledges, and desires to place upon its records, its great 
obligations to Rev. M. Burnham, pastor, for his conception 
and prosecution to a successful issue, of a plan for lifting 
Eighty Thousand dollars of the indebtedness of this Society." 
At a meeting, February 9, 1880, the Church delegated to the 
pastor and Deacon Holmes the duty of sending a suitable 
written expression of thanks to the Rev. Dr. McKenzie; and 
some eighteen months later they proved that they still held 
him in grateful remembrance, by depositing a sum of money 
with a book-dealer in Boston, requesting Dr. McKenzie to 
replenish his library therefrom at his pleasure. 

Having thus traced through a period of five years the 
course of those events which were immediately connected with 
the new church building, we turn back to 1875, to note other 
items of record for the same half -decade. We are impressed 
with the fact that during this period of great sorrow and biu*- 
den-bearing, both on the part of the church and of its indi- 
vidual members, the people were much in prayer, and were 
richly blessed in spiritual things, as the following facts do 
testify. 

1876. On April 10, '' The pastor expressed the desire 
that a prayer and conference meeting be held on Thursday 
afternoon, ' Fast Day,' and it was cordially approved." A 
morning preaching service on this state holiday, as well as on 
Thanksgiving Day, had long been an understood custom. 

From the time the new church was occupied until the 
chapel was built, 1875 to 1891, the prayer and conference 
meetings were held in the parlors. These services were of 
special power during Mr. Burnham's ministry. On Thursday 
evenings one parlor, often supplemented by the hall, was 



48 History and Annals of the 

occupied, and on Sabbath evenings the pastor's table was 
before the main door into the auditorium and, from this 
central position, he looked out to the right and to the left into 
the many earnest faces of the assembled company. 

1877. In the pastor's annual report of April, we read : 

Our evening meetings have been often filled to overflowing. A 
spirit of earnest attention and feeling has attended them and many, 
some of them heads of families, have found the Saviour. It has been, 
for Massachusetts and for the country, a remarkable year in certain 
features religiously, and we have felt something of the tidal wave of 
God's power. Many of our prayer-meetings have been places of the 
revelation of God. Our ladies' prayer-meetings have been of marked 
power, I am told. A spirit of prayer has been developed. A spirit of 
prayerful effort has been developed in answer to it. 

1878. January 26 was set apart as a day of special prayer 
for this Church. The meetings were "' largely attended by 
the members of the Church and others to some extent. Prayer 
and confession were earnest, and the Holy Spirit was present 
to subdue and sanctify all hearts, and to awaken an earnest 
desire to be more faithful in His service." 

We quote from the pastor's annual report in April: 

There have been but five other years in the history of the Church 
when so many have joined us as in this year, and those were years of 
extended revival influences. For three or four years past, especially, 
the growth in numbers has been steady, almost every communion 
adding some. We have increased in membership since 1870 just about 
one hundred. In the midst of seeming obstacles, we are glad to record 
the earnest, loving fidelity of so many. In christian labor, the Church 
has never been more abundant than during this year. Never has it 
had a greater care for God's poor; never have so many of its member- 
ship been importunate in prayer. 

Further in the same report, the pastor suggests a change in 
the manner of contributing to religious objects, and recom- 
mends the inauguration of a system of '^ proportionate weekly 
offerings," on a plan similar to that recommended by Rev. 



Central Congregational Church 49 

George Harris, of Providence, R. I., and already successful in 
many churches. The idea of the system is, that all money to 
be given into or through the church treasury shall be pledged 
annually in advance, proportioned by the contributors to the 
several objects of their benevolence, and paid weekly in regu- 
lar amounts in small envelopes provided for the purpose. 
Such, doubtless, was the thought of pastor and people when 
this Church adopted the system in the spring of 1878, but 
local circumstances tended to defeat the working of the plan 
in its completeness. It was at a time when, as has been 
previously mentioned, the Church was sorely crippled finan- 
cially, and strong measures became necessary to tide it over 
the difficulties, and to assure its future usefulness in the work 
of the Kingdom. It was therefore decided that, " as a matter 
of propriety and temporary expediency," the greater part of 
the gifts of the people should for a time be used for home 
expenses. It was hoped that the envelope system of weekly 
offerings, with its opportunity for pledging any amount, would 
enlist the interest and cooperation of every member of the 
congregation, and opportunity was given for any who pre- 
ferred to do so, to assign their gifts to special objects. But 
the bulk of the contributions for a period of five years was 
paid into the ^' General Fund," this necessary diversion of 
fimds from missionary work, which had ever before received 
our hearty support, being greatly lamented by pastor and 
people. In April, 1883, a committee, appointed for the pur- 
pose, reconunended a list of five objects to which the contrib- 
utors were asked to apportion their gifts. But for some 
reason this plan was not generally participated in, and in the 
effort to re-establish the habit of contributing to the cause of 
missions, the old method of annual offerings for special objects 
was resorted to. In 1886, the American Board of Commis- 
sioners for Foreign Missions, the Congregational Home Mis- 
sionary Society, and the American Missionary Association 
were restored to an annual schedule of offerings. In 1888, 



50 History and Annals of the 

the Congregational Sunday-School and PubUshing Society 
and the Congregational Union (now the Congregational 
Church Building Society) were included in the list, and in 1901, 
the Congregational Education Society was also added. Since 
1874, a contribution for the Children's Home of Fall River 
has been taken at Thanksgiving time, and since 1888, the 
Fall River (now Union) Hospital has received an Easter offer- 
ing. Thus has come about the present custom of a weekly 
offering for current expenses, and eight special annual con- 
tributions for outside work. Other special offerings are also 
occasionally made as need requires. The money given at the 
monthly missionary midweek service has for many years been 
equally divided between the American Board of Commis- 
sioners for Foreign Missions, and the Congregational Home 
Missionary Society. (See Supplement for annual schedule 
of offerings.) 

In the latter part of 1878, a series of evangelistic services 
was held in the city under the leadership of Rev. George 0. 
Pentecost, D.D., and Mr. George C. Stebbins, and their labors, 
united with those of the brethren in the churches, '^ were 
blessed of God to the quickening of some, and the conversion 
of others. Extra efforts were made to secure the permanence 
of such convictions and to cultivate a sense of christian 
responsibility." 

During the same season, a series of neighborhood prayer- 
meetings was held in the parish, '^ in which a circle of the 
brethren and some sisters labored, and these meetings were not 
only greatly blessed to the laborers themselves," but became 
'' a harvest-field of great richness in sheaves for the church." 

The pastor in his annual report says : 

Our prayer-meetings during the year have been of marked power, 
and increase in interest. They are now on Sabbath evenings fre- 
quently crowded, and the attendance Thursday evenings is greatly 
enlarged. Brethren are participating in the service who have been 
hitherto comparatively silent, and new voices are occasionally heard. 



Central Congregational Church 51 

The number of additions to the roll during the year ranks 
third in the history to the present day, and it is a noticeable 
fact that among those who joined the Church there were two 
more males than females. 

1879. In accordance with a vote of the Church in April, 
a printed list of the officers and committees of the Chiu"ch and 
Society was framed and hung near the entrance to the audi- 
toriiim. Being annually revised, it has ever since proved a 
great convenience to the people. 

1880. At the annual meeting in 1880, Thomas F. Eddy, 
after twenty-five years of faithful service as clerk of the 
Church, declined a re-election, and George 0. Lathrop was 
elected to the position. 

1881. In February, the Church voted to accept the offer 
of certain persons to organize a chorus of voices from our own 
people, as a volunteer choir, for aid in congregational singing, 
and appointed a committee to cooperate with them in super- 
vising such a movement. This marks the first effort toward 
a choir since the adoption of congregational singing in 1869. 
As long as services were held in the old building, the singing 
was considered notably good. There were a number of leading 
voices in the audience, and participation in the singing was 
very general, so that strangers remarked upon its body and 
tone. But when the singers were scattered about through the 
larger auditoriimi of the new church, and the high vaulted roof 
left far greater space to be filled, the music lagged and became 
poorer and poorer. Subsequent to the above vote, a choir of 
twenty-five or more voices was formed from the young people 
of the congregation, and under the efficient leadership of the 
organist, Lyman W. Deane, it proved a valued help during 
the eighteen years of its existence. Mr. Deane was devoted 
in his labors for the Church and Sabbath school, and met with 
the choir for weekly rehearsals. For special occasions an- 
thems were prepared. He had rare taste in the selection and 
rendering of church music, and loved his organ. Many are the 



52 History and Annals of the 

nights that he hngered after service to revel in its sweet tones, 
while groups of people tarried to enjoy the music. Under his 
direction, in April, 1886, the choir rendered a cantata, '' Under 
the Palms," and thereby netted one hundred and fifty dollars 
toward defraying the church debt. 

Upon Mr. Deane's resignation, in 1899, after a service of 
thirty-five years, the music was given into the care of a direc- 
tor, Frank L. Andrews, with Thomas V. Walkden as organ- 
ist, and a new quartet and chorus choir was formed. After 
three years of service Mr. Andrews, finding the duties of the 
position too arduous in addition to his business cares, resigned, 
and Mr. Walkden has since served both as organist and 
director. 

The present custom of singing the doxology at the opening 
of the morning service dates from the time of entering the 
new church. 

At the annual meeting in 1881, Deacon Benjamin Earl 
resigned his duties as custodian and almoner of the church 
fund for the relief of needy members, and was succeeded by 
Deacon Charles J. Holmes. It is worthy of note that the 
united service of these two deacons in this capacity has 
covered the whole period of the life of the Church thus far. 

During the same year, the old church building was turned 
around from its original position facing Bedford Street, to 
that which it now occupies on Rock Street, because of the 
sale of the front land on Bedford Street for business purposes. 
It may be mentioned also that the stone, which originally 
served as the top step at the front entrance of the church, after 
a time became '' The Mooring " at Andrew Borden's residence 
on Rock Street. 

It was also in 1881, that the Society assumed the respon- 
sibihty of the salary of Rev. E. A. Buck as church mis- 
sionary. 

1882. At a regular meeting of the Church held March 13, 
Mr. Burnham, worn with his strenuous pastorate and seek- 



Central Congregational Church 53 

ing relief in change, tendered his resignation as pastor, ex- 
pressing strong affection for the people, and deep regret at 
parting from them. The Church accepted the resignation 
and passed resolutions setting forth the peculiar degree in 
which he had endeared himself to his people, and assuring 
him of their earnest prayers for God's blessing upon him in 
his future labors. An ecclesiastical council was convened 
on April 4, and the official relations of pastor and people 
w^ere thereby dissolved. 

Three years after Mr. Burnham's installation, his salary 
was raised to three thousand dollars ; and so it was continued 
throughout his pastorate, except that for two years, during 
the Church's struggles, he voluntarily relinquished the added 
^YQ hundred dollars. At that time the Society expressed 
its appreciation of this proof of his sympathy; and still re- 
membering it with gratitude, upon his retirement from the 
pastorate, it presented him with one thousand dollars, ^' as 
a token of respect and esteem." 



54 History and Annals of the 

Rev* Eldridge Mix, D,D. 

Fourth Pastor, A.D, J882-J890 

1882. On June 26, the Standing Committee, who had been 
appointed to supply the pulpit, recommended for pastor, 
the Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D., who was then pastor of the 
First Presbyterian Church in Orange, N. J. Dr. Mix had 
been heard in his own pulpit by members of the committee, 
and had preached in our church. The impression w^hich he 
had made was so favorable, that when a formal ballot was 
taken, it was unanimously voted to extend to him a call to 
become pastor. Thereupon Thomas J. Borden, Thomas F. 
Eddy, and Charles J. Holmes were chosen from the Church, 
and Charles A. Baker and Alphonso S. Covel from the Society, 
to sign the call and, in the event of its acceptance, to make 
arrangements for the installation. Dr. Mix accepted the 
invitation and, with the approval of an ecclesiastical council 
which had been duly convened, was installed on September 
27, 1882, the principal features of the program being as 
follows: Invocation and reading of Scripture, Rev. George 
M. Boynton, Boston; singing, '' God! we praise thee"; 
sermon, Rev. Alexander McKenzie, D.D., Cambridge; 
singing, '' Oh, where are kings and empires now "; installing 
prayer. Rev. Samuel G. Willard, Colchester, Conn.; charge 
to the pastor. Rev. Michael Burnham, Boston Highlands; 
right hand of fellowship, Rev. W. W. Adams, D.D., Fall 
River; address to the people. Rev. A. J. F. Behrends, D.D., 
Providence; singing, '^ We bid thee welcome in the name of 
Jesus "; prayer. Rev. A. H. Heath, New Bedford; doxology; 
benediction by the pastor. 

As soon as Dr. Mix was installed as pastor, he gave his 
attention in a systematic way to the business of acquainting 
himself with the members of his parish. A revised list of 
Church members (then numbering some four hundred and 




Rev. ELDRIDGE MIX, D.D. 
Fourth Pastor, A.D. 1 882-1 890 



Central Congregational Church 55 

fifty) was prepared and published in October, 1882. The 
pastor then adopted the plan of announcing from the pulpit 
each Sabbath, the district in which he would call on given 
days of the coming week, and when six months had passed, 
he reported: " Your pastor has been enabled to call on every 
family connected with the congregation. Everywhere, in going 
in and out of your homes, he has been gladdened by a most 
cordial reception." Such annual visitations were a marked 
feature of Dr. Mix's ministry. 

During the first half-year of service, he also aroused the 
interest of the young people and guided them in the organi- 
zation of a '^ Young People's Pastoral Aid Society." In 
1887, this Societ}^ identified itself with the Christian En- 
deavor movement, and imder the new name it has continued 
to the present time. Its history is given later in this volume. 

1883. In the latter part of 1883, " Songs of Christian 
Praise " was introduced for use in Sabbath services and con- 
ference meetings, in place of the hymn book which had been 
used for the previous fourteen years. 

1884. January 28, the Church considered a revised and 
somewhat modified form of the " Confession of Faith and 
Covenant and of the Standing Rules of the Church," which 
had been prepared with due consideration and care by the 
pastor and Standing Committee. It was adopted, and a 
new manual was printed. (See Supplement.) 

In April of the same year, there was inaugurated the so- 
called '' Anniversary Service," which was a special feature 
of Dr. Mix's pastorate. From this time to 1890 inclusive, 
for the Sabbath evening preceding each annual meeting of 
the Church, a special program was prepared, consisting 
mainly of the annual reports of Church officers and minor 
organizations. This arrangement was made for the purpose 
of keeping the whole congregation informed concerning the 
activities of the Church, and with the hope that a wider and 
more intelligent interest therein might be aroused. 



56 History and Annals of the 

1885. From the pastor's annual report in April we quote: 

One thing of special interest has transpired during the year, in which 
our Church has borne its full share. The churches of the city have 
come together with a unity and harmony rare to see among so many 
denominations, and during the week of prayer have maintained 
union meetings full of interest and of great profit. These meetings 
were continued during the following week, and thereafter once a week, 
through the entire winter. A foundation has been laid for future 
cooperation for which we may well be devoutly thankful. 

On October 22, it was voted " that the Church hereafter 
use the ' Responsive Readings ' as prepared in the hymn 
book now in use by the Church, in the regular Sabbath service, 
the reading to be followed by the singing of the Gloria Patri." 

1886. During the early months of 1886, special religious 
services were again conducted, but this time under the direc- 
tion of the Standing Committee of this Church only. The 
pastor reported concerning them as follows: 

After the week of prayer, a series of midweek services was inaugu- 
rated, to deepen the religious interest already existing and, if possible, 
to bring those who were more or less thoughtful to an immediate 
decision. The aid of ministers from abroad was secured, who very 
kindly gave their services in preaching for us. Each service was con- 
cluded with a brief prayer-meeting. Though the evenings, almost 
without exception, proved stormy, yet the attendance was quite as 
large as could have been expected and the results very gratifying. 
As a consequence of this increase of fidelity and activity on the part 
of the members of the Church, accompanied by these special services, 
a larger number than usual have been added to the Church on con- 
fession of faith. Thirty-five in all have thus joined us, and there are 
many more whom we hope soon to welcome to our fellowship. 

About this time Dr. Mix established the " Central Congrega- 
tional Church Book Club." A biblical reference library of 
fifty or more volumes, for the use especially of teachers in the 
Sabbath schools, was placed in the parlor bookcase. On 
Saturday afternoons a volunteer librarian was in charge of 
the books, and, for a time, more or less of the teachers availed 



Central Congregational Church 57 

themselves of the prmlege thus afforded. The books finally 
became a part of the Stillwell Sabbath school library, 
and were transferred to the Chapel. 

On September 21, 1886, in response to an imitation re- 
ceived from, certain French residents of the city, representa- 
tives of the Chm-ch assisted in the organization of a French 
Congregational Church and in the installation of a pastor 
therefor. This chm'ch is an outgrowth of the work among 
the French, which had been fostered for nearly twenty years by 
Mr. Buck at the Mission Chapel. A church edifice was erected, 
and representatives of our Church now serve, with others 
from the First Church, as trustees for holding the property. 

During the same year, purchasers were found for the '^ Old 
Chm^ch" building, with that portion of the lot which had not 
been pre\dously sold, for the parsonage and lot, and for 
certain other land, all of which had long been an incumbrance 
upon the Society. The pastor voiced the rejoicing which 
was in the hearts of all the people, when he marked this 
important epoch in our history by these words : 

There is one great occasion of thanksgi^'ing which we should not 
fail gratefully to remember. For the fu'st time in many years, the 
church is unencumbered by debt. Our beautiful house of worship 
is truly the Lord's house now, as never before. After all the heroic 
and self-sacrificing efforts which the Lord has put it into your hearts 
to make for the achievement of that object, have you not abundant 
reason to-night " to enter into His gates with thanksgi\'ing and into His 
courts with praise; to be thanlvful unto Him and to bless His name ? " 

Since this time, the Society has annually raised sufficient 
funds to meet all expenses. 

1887. Early in 1887, the Chiu-ch participated in the work 
of taking a church census of the city, which was done under 
the auspices of the " Ministerial Association." 

1888. The year 1888 marks the introduction of the 
weekly '^ Church Calendar." The pastor appreciated that 
the ordinary annoimcement of notices from the pulpit de- 



58 History and Annals of the 

tracted from the dignity and solemnity of the service, and 
that the printed page would reach many absent members 
of the congregation as well as supplement the memory of 
those who were present. In the beginning he secured the 
cooperation of the Christian Endeavor Society, which, during 
the experimental stage, provided and distributed the leaflets. 
But by April, 1890, the calendar had so far approved itself 
to the people that the Society assumed the expense of print- 
ing, and in February, 1891, at the request of the Christian 
Endeavor Society, the Church appointed a committee to 
take charge of the compiling and printing. (See copies of the 
later calendars in the Supplement.) 

1889. April 30, being the one hundredth anniversary 
of the inauguration of George Washington as President of the 
United States, an appropriate public service was held in the 
auditorium in commemoration of the event. The size and 
convenience of the church attracts to it many such public 
assemblies, and the people have ever delighted to use it for 
patriotic piu*poses. 

Later in the same year, the Church purchased a plat of six 
burial lots in Oak Grove Cemetery, to be used for the burial 
of those members who should be unable to provide one for 
themselves; and some of those who had been buried elsewhere 
were removed to it. The Church also made provision for erect- 
ing suitable headstones at each grave, as occasion should require. 

1890. On February 19, a ^' Reunion and Roll-Call " 
was held. At the suggestion of the pastor, an invitation had 
been sent to every member of the Church to be present in 
person if possible, and if that were impracticable, to report b}^ 
letter. '' The occasion was one of great interest and profit. 
About four hundred reported; some three hundred in person; 
the rest through friends or by letters. It was a real reunion 
on the part of those present." 

On May 1, Dr. Mix, " with the kindest feelings toward 
all," requested the Church to unite with him in calling a 



Central Congregational Church 59 

mutual coiuicil for the dissolution of the pastoral relation. 
In fulfillment of this request a council was convened on the 
16th of May, and with profoimd regret and unanmious 
expression of the highest esteem for the retiring pastor, it 
assented to the request of pastor and people. 

October marked the final step in the readjustment of the 
order of Sabbath services, which order, during the pre^dous 
sixteen years, had been the subject of much discussion and 
frequent changes. Since the earliest days, and into Mr. 
Burnham's pastorate, services were held as follows: 10.30 
A. M., preaching service; 1.30 p.m.. Sabbath school; 2.30 p.m., 
preaching service, followed bimonthly by the Lord's Supper; 
and an evening meeting for prayer and conference. In ad- 
dition to these, many of our members attended the Mission 
Sabbath school at 9.15 a.m. The first suggestion of a change 
toward the modern idea of fewer services appears in June, 
1874, when the afternoon service was temporarily dispensed 
with. From this time on, there was a gradual strengthening 
of the sentiment in favor of making the change permanent, 
partially because of the growing tendency to lessen the de- 
mands upon the people, and partially because of the evident 
necessity of lightening the pastor's duties. In September, 
1879, the afternoon service was permanently dropped; in 
April, 1880, the Sabbath school was changed to 2.30 p.m., and 
in 1887, monthly evening services in the auditoriimi were 
adopted; in October, 1889, a regular preaching service took 
the place of the prayer and conference meeting, and in October, 
1890, Sabbath school was changed to the noon hour; thus 
completing the present schedule as follows : 10.30 a.m., preach- 
ing service, with the Lord's Supper at the appointed times; 
12 M., Sabbath school; 7 p.m., preaching ser^dce. 

In the latter part of 1890, electric lights were introduced 
into the auditorium, the parlor chandeliers having been 
fitted with electricity five years earlier, at the expense of a 
parishioner, James B. Harley. 



60 History and Annals of the 

Rev. William Walker Jubb 

Fifth Pastor, A»D, J89J-J896 

After the departure of Dr. Mix, the various departments 
of church work were continued under the watch and care of 
the deacons and regularly appointed officers, ably assisted 
by our missionary, Rev. Mr. Buck. The membership of the 
Church was about five hundred and thirty. 

On May 26, 1890, a committee of nine, viz., Charles J. 
Holmes, Rev. E. A. Buck, Thomas J. Borden, Charles A. 
Baker, Simeon B. Chase, Charles E. Fisher, Henry H. Earl, 
George 0. Lathrop, and James C. Eddy, was chosen to select 
and recommend to the Church a candidate for pastor. A 
year passed before any one was found to meet the require- 
ments of the committee. 

1 89 1. In April, while the committee had its attention 
turned in a southerly direction towards a possible pastor, a 
preacher — Rev. W. Walker Jubb — was crossing the ocean 
from the east, of whom no one in the Church had ever heard. 
Friends of this stranger, in Boston, who were also friends of 
the Church, proposed him to the committee as a pulpit supply 
for a Sabbath. He was asked to preach April 19, and was 
heard with such general satisfaction that he was invited to 
come a second time. He consented, and so deepened the 
favorable impression already made, that he was urged to 
come for two more Sabbaths. He came and preached again 
with still greater acceptance. The committee, hearing most 
favorable reports of Mr. Jubb, presented his name to the 
Church for consideration as a candidate for pastor, at the 
monthly church meeting in May. After a brief discussion 
and on motion, a ballot was taken resulting in a vote of one 
hundred and ten yes; two no. In accordance with this vote, 
a call was extended to Rev. Wilham Walker Jubb, of Mossley, 
Manchester, England, to become pastor of the Central Church, 
at a salary of four thousand dollars per annum. All further 




Rev. WILLIAM WALKER JUBB 
Fifth Pastor, A.D. 1891-1896 



Central Congregational Church 61 

action was left to the Standing Committee, with power to 
act. The formal letter of acceptance was received by the 
Chm"ch, June 29, together with the statement that Mr. Jubb 
would assmne the duties of the pastorate the first of Septem- 
ber following. 

Mr. Jubb was installed pastor of the Central Church, Sep- 
tember 29, 1891. The services of the evening were : Invocation 
and reading of the Scriptures, Rev. Payson AY. Lyman, Fall 
River; sermon. Rev. Reuen Thomas, D.D., Brookline; in- 
stalling prayer, Rev. J. G. Vose, D.D., Providence; right 
hand of fellowship, Rev. Arthur Little, D.D., Dorchester; 
charge to the pastor. Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D., Wellesley; 
address to the people. Rev. Michael Burnham, D.D., Spring- 
field; benediction, by the pastor. 

The Fall River News, September 30, reports as follows: 

The Rev. W. Walker Jubb, late of Mossley, England, was installed 
the fifth pastor of the Central Church last evening, with services of the 
deepest interest, in presence of a very large congregation. It was 
an event of no ordinary interest in the history of the Church, and 
many distinguished clergymen and laymen of the denomination were 
present in honor of the occasion. 

When the '^New Church" edifice was built, the construc- 
tion of the Chapel was deferred; — in part, because the Sab- 
bath school found ample accommodation in the auditorium 
of the " Old Church." When, however, that building was sold, 
and the school had been held for a season in the auditorium 
and parlors of the New Church, the disadvantages of such 
a method became more and more obvious, resulting in much 
discussion and planning. Finally, in December, 1890, a 
committee consisting of James C. Eddy, Joseph A. Bowen, 
Edward T. Marvell, Andrew Borden, and Edward B. Jennings, 
was appointed and authorized to contract for the building of a 
Chapel, substantially in accordance with terms and specifica- 
tions of Mr. A. B. Jennings, architect, of New York, at a cost 
of about eiditeen thousand dollars. 



62 History and Annals of the 

On October 19, 1891, the building committee reported the 
completion of the Chapel as far as they were authorized to 
go. The report was accepted and the committee continued. 

The same month the pastor presented a plan for special 
services to be held on the last Sabbath evening of each month. 
The plan was approved by the Church and the first meeting was 
held November 29, the subject of the pastor's address being : 
" I Can't Help It." These evenings were very popular, as 
was shown by the large attendance, — sometimes more than 
a thousand persons being present. 

1892. January 14, the pastor stated the substance of a 
request from some of the pastors of the city, for the Central 
Church to hold a ^' Union Communion" service at an early 
date. The Church by vote complied with the request, and 
ordered the following invitation to be sent to the pastors of 
the city : 

Fall River, January 21, 1892. 
To THE Pastor of Church: 

Dear Sir, — I have the pleasure of communicating to you, the 
following action taken by the Central Church, January 14, 1892, and 
would kindly request you, to bring it to the attention of your church 
people in such a way as you may deem best. 

Very respectfully yours, etc., 

George 0. Lathrop, Clerk 
of the Central Congregational Church. 

A Union Communion Service 

A communication having been received, expressing the desire 
of many of the pastors of the city, that the Central Congregational 
Church should hold a " Union Communion" service, voted, "That we 
gladly assent to the request, and appoint the pastor and deacons a com- 
mittee, to fix upon the time and date, and to make all necessary 
arrangements for holding such service." In accordance with the 
above vote, the Central Church will hold a Union Communion Service 
in the audience room of its church, Rock Street, Monday evening, 
February 8, 1892, at 7.30 o'clock, and cordialh^ invites all members 




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Central Congregational Church 63 

of churches who hold Christ as their Head, and are in good and regular 
standing in their respective churches, to sit with it, at the table of 

our common Lord. 

W. W. JuBB, Pastor. 
C. J. Holmes, 
C. A. Baker, 
Geo. O. Lathrop, 
H. H. Earl, 

Deacons. 

The service was held as stated, and a very large number 
accepted the invitation to be present. The pastors and 
officers of different churches assisted in the service. 

At the close of the year 1891, the pastor, believing that 
'' reading makes a full man, writing an exact man, conversa- 
tion a ready man," organized the " Central Church Literary 
Society," for the promotion of social and literary improve- 
ment. Nine meetings were held during the first year. 
Many of the programs were of special interest, e. g., " Pro- 
tection versus Free Trade," " A Mock Congress," '^ Lecture 
on John Bright," " Illustrated Magazine," and " Ladies' 
Night " being among the most interesting. The society 
proved a great success financially, and was very popular, the 
average attendance for the season being one hundred. This 
society maintained its active work for a period of three years. 

1892. In April, the Chapel building committee reported: 

The Chapel has been completed and furnished, during the last 
financial year, without any debt, except that covered by pledges. 
Our thanks are especially due the ladies, for the entertainment given 
in the Chapel, from which we received $200.00 ; to the Literary Societ}^, 
for their liberal donation of $100.00; to the pastor, for contribution 
from the monthly Sabbath evenings' ser\dces of $58.84; and to the 
Sabbath school for their gift of $165.05. 

(Signed) JakS. C. Eddy, 

Jos. A. BOWEN, 
Ed. T. Marvell, 
Ed. B. Jennings, 
C. E. Fisher, 

Committee . 



64 History and Annals of the 

At the annual meeting, April, 1892, the following minute 
was adopted on motion of Mr. Henry H. Earl : 

We recall with pleasure the continued labors of Brother C. V. S. 
Remington in the supply and beautiful arrangements of flowers for 
the platform, from Sabbath to Sabbath. In their absence, we 
experience a sense of loss; in their presence our souls are lifted up; 
worship seems easier, purer, more spiritual. In their subsequent 
distribution by the young women of the Christian Endeavor, joy 
and gladness are brought to many an invalid, and a sense of contact 
with the active, visible Church of Christ created, which will be a solace to 
many a weary hour, a potent help to '^ fight the good fight of faith." 

Through all these succeeding years and down to the present 
time [1905], Mr. Remington has unfailingly continued, 
Sunday after Sunday, to bring flowers — at once beautiful 
and sometimes rare, but always bright and fragrant, — to 
gratify the senses of sight and smell, and to stimulate the love 
and emotions of praise and gratitude to the Giver of all good 
things, the Creator of life and light. 

Mr. Jubb was largely instrumental in the formation, March 
28, 1892, of the '' Fall River Congregational Club." " The 
object of the club, as stated in its by-laws, is a social hour, with 
refreshments, and the discussion of ecclesiastical, social, and 
national topics by members and invited guests." At first, 
the club met sometimes in the chapel of the Central Church, 
and sometimes in the vestries of the First Church; but the 
latter rooms proving most convenient for the use of the club, 
the meetings have been held there exclusively for several 
years. The club has proved eminently successful in bring- 
ing together the members of the various Congregational 
churches of the city and suburbs, for social intercourse, and 
the discussion of public and literary themes. 

In June, the pastor presented for consideration, the estab- 
lishment of a " Mission at Globe Village," and stated that 
the Standing Committee had adopted the following resolu- 
tion, to wit, ^^ That this committee look with favor upon the 



Central Congregational Church 65 

establishment of a Mission at Globe Village, provided such 
measure shall seem wise to a joint committee to be appointed 
from this and the other Congregational churches of the city." 
The Church adopted the resolution of the committee and 
appointed the pastor, Simeon B. Chase, and Andrew Borden, 
members of the joint conmiittee, and in January, 1893, the 
Broadway Mission at Globe Village was formally opened. 

In the spring of 1892, it was voted '^ to celebrate the 
Fiftieth Anniversary of the organization of the Church, — 
November 16, 1892, — and to give to the Standing Com- 
mittee full authority to complete all arrangements for the 
same." 

In the fall of the year a circular was issued, caUing atten- 
tion to the date, and that the day would be held in remem- 
brance by simple and appropriate services on the preceding 
Sabbath, November 13, 1892. The program as outlined 
made provision for a special sermon by the pastor in the 
morning, the reading of historical papers in the afternoon, 
and brief addresses from former pastors and others in the 
evening. 

The observance of the day proved of great interest to 
large audiences. A report of the exercises, together with 
the program, letters, papers, and extracts from sermons will 
be found in a later chapter of this volume. 

1893. The report of the assessors read at the annual 
meeting of the Society in April, 1893, saj^s: 

We congratulate the Society on having completed Fifty Years of 
its existence. It was organized, January 20, 1843, with thirteen mem- 
bers. To-day it has a membership of seventy. The Society has passed 
through a great variety of experiences. It has had its days of dark- 
ness, as well as its bright, clear daj^s. It has felt the depressing in- 
fluence of debt, and has had the joy of release from the burden of 
debt. Fortunately, it has never suffered severely from a difference of 
opinion among its members, and we trust this harmony of feeling 
and unanimity of purpose, will continue to abide with it in the 
future. 



66 History and Annals of the 

In the early part of the year the " Ladies' Prayer-Meeting " 
(which for a time had been discontinued), under the leader- 
ship of Mrs. Jubb awakened to new Ufe, and '' did run well 
for a season, but finally fell into a long sleep which has 
lasted to the present time." 

In February an Ornamental Tablet, with gilt lettering, 
giving the names and addresses of pastor and janitor, together 
with the hours for holding the regular Sabbath and midweek 
services, was placed on the front of the church tower. 

1895. In May, the Standing Committee was instructed to 
procure '^ Individual Cups " for use at the communion service 
(by a vote of fifty-five yes, six no). On the first Sabbath 
of July following, the individual cups were used for the first 
time in this church and have ever since been approved as 
a most acceptable change from former methods. 

1896. April. The pastor and deacons' annual report con- 
tains this statement: 

The church edifice has been in more active use the past year than 
ever before. Three state conventions, viz., the Woman's Board of 
Missions, the State Sunday-School Convention, and the Methodist 
Conference, have all tested its size, convenience, and practical use- 
fulness, and have been abundantly satisfied, and high in their 
encomiums of praise. 

On Sunday, July 19, 1896, at the close of the morning serv- 
ice. Rev. Dr. W. W. Adams, who had occupied the pulpit, 
read a letter from Rev. Mr. Jubb, presenting his resignation 
as pastor of the Church, to take effect on September 29, the 
fifth anniversary of his installation into that office. The 
letter is as follows: 

To THE Members of the Central Church and Society, Fall River : 
Dear Friends , — When I accepted the pastorate of your Church 
and Society in 1891, 1 resolved that I would not leave you of my own 
accord for at least five years. I felt that this was due to the people 
who had so generously paid for my removal, with that of my family, 
from England. Though there was no engagement for any specified 



Central Congregational Church 67 

number of years, there was a distinct statement made by me, that I 
should feel myself in honor bound to remain for a term of not less than 
five years. That term will expire in the early autumn, and as my 
vacation will include most of the intervening time, I have thought it 
best to decide, now, what my future course shall be, and make known 
to you my decision before I leave for England. 

For a long time, more than a year, I have felt that a change of 
pastorate at the end of my five years' service might be advisable, and 
this feeling I have made known to my intimate ministerial friends. 
The reasons which led me to this conclusion seemed to me to be weighty 
and somewhat commanding. I have also felt, of late, that if I were to 
make any change in the near future, perhaps this might be the most 
appropriate time in which to make it, and upon this I have resolved. 
I beg, therefore, to present my resignation as pastor of your Church 
and Society, such resignation to take effect on September 29, the fifth 
-anniversary of my installation, or as soon thereafter as a council can 
be conveniently called. 

In doing this, I wish to express my sincere appreciation of all the 
kindness which I have received since I came among you. The friend- 
ships which my family and I have formed in the Central Church are 
very dear to us, and will, I hope, be more or less abiding. Wherever 
our lot may be cast, we shall always have a kind thought for the sympa- 
thetic and helpful companions of our early American life. I am, I 
know, only voicing the feeling of every member of my own household, 
when I wish for you, a speedy, happy, and prosperous settlement. 
May grace, mercy, and peace ever abide with you all. I am, 
Yours sincerely, 

(Signed) W. Walker Jubb. 

Dr. Adams then read a call for a special church meeting 
to be held the following evening, Monday, July 20, at eight 
o'clock. At this time the resignation was formally presented 
to the Church, when it was accepted, and the follow^ing 
letter was ordered sent to Mr. Jubb, who had gone to 
England : 

Rev. W. W. Jubb: 

Dear Sir, — Your letter of resignation having been read by Dr. 
Adams from the pulpit, Sunday, July 19, 1896, a church meeting 
was called on the next Monday evening, at which the resignation was 



68 History and Annals of the 

accepted in accordance with the tenor thereof, that is to say, to take 
effect September 29, 1896, and a committee appointed to unite with 
you, and a committee from the Society, to call the customary council. 
The Society subsequently met and voted to accept the resignation, 
and appoint a committee to unite with you and the Church, in calling 
the council. Church committee: Charles J. Holmes, Thomas J. 
Borden, Henry H. Earl. Society committee: Joseph A. Bowen, 
Edward B. Jennings. At the society meeting, it was also voted that 
the recommendation of the Church to continue your salary to December 
1, 1896, be adopted. I am desired by the committee to give you for- 
mal notice of the action of both bodies, and to ask your suggestions 
as to when it is desirable to call the council, and what churches you 
would like to have invited; also to receive any other suggestions you 
might like to make. In general conversation, it was thought some time 
about the middle of September might be a convenient and suitable 
time for calling the council; but not knowing your plans, it was left 
open for action when we hear from you. 

Yours very truly, 

James W. Brigham, Clerh, 

on behalf of the Committee. 

This letter was addressed to Mr. Jubb, at Memorial Hall, 
Farringdon Street, London, England. 

Report of the Council 
The council called to review the proceedings of the Central 
Church and Society in regard to the resignation of their 
pastor, Rev. W. Walker Jubb, met at the Central Church, 
September 16, 1896. They examined the papers and records 
of the Church and the Society and the correspondence with 
Mr. Jubb. The council, in view of the unanimous agree- 
ment of pastor and people thus far, approved the action on 
the part of the pastor, Church, and Society, as regular and 
harmonious, and declared the relation dissolved, to take effect 
September 29, 1896. 

After the resignation of Mr. Jubb, Deacons Charles J. 
Holmes, and Henry H. Earl were appointed a sub-committee 
to supply the pulpit; while Mr. Holmes, by virtue of his office 



Central Congregational Church 69 

as senior deacon, assumed the duty of caring for the conduct 
of the weekly and monthly meetings. These were regularly 
held, and special meetings were called when required. All 
other interests of the Church were considered as presented, 
the aim being to have all the ordinances and services of the 
Chiu*ch regularly observed. There was a membership then 
existing of about five hundred and forty. A circular sent 
out by the Standing Committee, calling for the imited and 
prayerful efforts of the whole Church for her welfare, had a 
most salutary influence. 
This circular read as follows : 

Central Congregational Chukch, 

Fall Eiter, Mass., October 10, 1896. 
Dear Brethren and Sisters, 

Members of the Central Congregational Church : 
In the pro\adence of God, we are to be -without a regular pastor, 
for a little time at least. The interim cannot fail to be an anxious 
period for your committee, and we desire to make an earnest appeal to 
each member to give more than usual effort for the success of our 
church work. Will you in harmony with this request, do all in your 
power to sustain our religious gatherings; support the Sunday morn- 
ing and evening ser^dces ; attend the Thursday evening meetings ; and 
by your constant presence encourage each the other? Do not forget 
the Sunday school. The superintendent wants your hearty support. 
Enter the Bible class and so influence our younger pupils to gather for 
the study of the Word of God. By voice and presence will you not 
kindly help to bring all our church membership into action and' har- 
mony with the Master's desire? 

Sincerely your brethren in Christ, 

Charles J. Holmes, 
Charles A. Bae:er, 
George 0. Lathrop, 
Henry H. Earl, 
Edwin A. Buck, 
Clinton V. S. Remington, 
Andrew Borden, 
James W. Brigham, 

Standing Committee. 



70 History and Annals of the 



Rev. William A. Knight 

Sixth Pastor, A.D. J897-J902 

1897. A special church meeting was called on September 
20, 1897, to hear the report of the committee on pulpit supply. 
That report presented the name of Rev. William Allen 
Knight, of Saginaw, Mich., as the imanimous recommendation 
of the Standing Committee for the office of pastor. After due 
consideration, a ballot was ordered, resulting in an affirma- 
tive vote of eighty-five yes; six no. 

A committee of three, namely, Charles J. Holmes, Richard 
B. Borden, and Albert F. Dow, was appointed to unite with 
a committee from the Society in extending the invitation 
to Mr. Knight to become pastor, and upon his acceptance to 
take the necessary steps preparatory to his installation. 
The Society met September 30, and voted imanimously to 
join in the call, and appointed Henry H. Earl and Edward 
B. Jennings as its committee. 

Mr. Knight's letter of acceptance was received on Octo- 
ber 4, and a call was immediately issued for an ecclesiastical 
coimcil, to be held on October 20, 1897. 

The coimcil met at 2.30 o'clock p.m., on the date men- 
tioned, and after the usual examination of papers, records, 
and candidate, it was unanimously voted to proceed to the 
installation of Mr. Knight in the evening, at 7.45 o'clock, 
with services as follows: Invocation, Rev. E. A. Buck; read- 
ing of Scripture, Rev. H. G. Megathlin, F.R. [Broadway 
Church]; singing, " Worship the King, all glorious above"; 
sermon, Rev. Wm. E. Barton, D.D., Boston; singing, "0 
where are kings and empires now " ; installing prayer, Rev. 
Eldridge Mix, D.D., Worcester; charge to the pastor. Rev. 
William H. Davis, D.D., Newton; right hand of fellowship, 
Rev. Francis J. Van Horn, Beverly; address to the people, 
Rev. Matthew C. Julien, New Bedford; singing, '' With 




Rev. WILLIAM ALLEN KNIGHT 
Sixth Pastor, A.D. 1897-1902 



Central Congregational Church 71 

heavenly power, Lord, defend " ; concluding prayer, 
Rev. Payson W. Lyman, Fall River; doxology, '' Praise 
God from whom all blessings flow '' ; benediction by the pastor. 

The life of the Church during Mr. Knight's pastorate is best 
portrayed by successive extracts from the annual reports 
of pastor and deacons. Not many new or startling events 
occurred to mark its outward relations to other work and 
workers, but its life was largely the development of its in- 
ternal affairs and spiritual interests. 

1897. December 19, the pastor writes: 

The hearty manner of our people in the support of the midweek 
prayer-meeting is a pleasant feature of our church life. The people 
come steadily and in large numbers. They take hold of the meeting. 
" I am a stranger," said one, "but I am thoroughly enjoying the few 
meetings I have been with you." That is as it should be. Our meet- 
ings should be joy-bringers, and help-givers. 

From the formation of the Church in 1842 until 1898, the 
first week of each new year was set apart as '' The Week of 
Prayer," according to the general usage in Congregational 
churches. Meetings were held in the olden time every 
evening, except possibly Saturday evening, and two, three, 
and sometimes four afternoons. Special topics were assigned 
for the various services. 

In January of 1898, it was decided to observe '^ Passion 
Week " in our church as '^ The Week of Prayer,'' rather than 
the first week in January. The calendar for January 9, 
mentioned the change, and said, '^ The pastor desires to 
direct the attention of the whole parish to a consecutive 
reading of the life of Christ from now imtil Easter, culminat- 
ing in our observance of ^^ Passion Week." On each evening 
of that week, except Saturday, a service was held in the 
Chapel, with a descriptive address by the pastor, portraying 
the scenes in each successive day in the last week of our Lord's 
ministry. The whole service was most profitable and impress- 



72 History and Annals of the 

ive. In March, forty-seven of the young people of the parish 
between the ages of ten and eighteen, met the pastor as mem- 
bers of an " Easter Company/' for christian teaching and 
conversation. Topics, " What is it to become a christian ? " 
" How to become a christian," and '^ How to make progress." 

After the summer vacation, the pastor, through the mediimi 
of the calendar, sent his cordial greetings to each member of 
the Church, and summoned them, one and all, to come into 
touch with church life at the opening of the new year. All 
were asked to assist in making a kind of roll-call, by sending 
to the pastor a postal card with their full name and address. 

1898. In the autumn of 1898, by direction of the church 
officers, the cloister door of the church, facing the Chapel, 
was opened daily between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 
and 4 p.m. that any who wished might stop to rest body or 
soul; to feel the singular beauty and charm of our church 
home; or to find a place for prayer and quiet communion 
with God. 

November 6, the " Messenger " announced that some of the 
members of the Church were interested, and ready to assist 
in holding cottage prayer-meetings through the winter. Any 
who would welcome such a gathering in their homes were 
invited to leave their names with Deacon Lathrop. During 
New Year's week, meetings were held in several sections of 
the parish, and later two were regularly held each week through 
the winter, one usually at the parsonage, and another in the 
south or southeast part of the city. 

In October, the ^' weekly calendar " came to us with a new 
name, " Our Church Messenger," and an increased length of 
some two inches, which greatly improved its appearance, 
while it furnished more space for notes and information. 
^' Its mission is to free the pulpit from announcements; to 
reach the whole parish with messages and items about 
our church life; and to preserve matters of interest for 
reference." 



Central Congregational Church 73 

At the suggestion of the officers of the American Board, 
$800 of the sum contributed in 1898 by Central Church for 
foreign missions, was appropriated towards the payment of 
the salaries of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Hinman, missionaries 
recently assigned to Shaowu station of the Foochow Mission, 
China. The Church heartily approved the action of the 
Board, and the year following, when transmitting their annual 
offering, the treasurer was directed to notify the Board to 
continue to devote so much thereof, as might be necessary, 
to pay in full the salaries of Mr. and Mrs. Hinman, and to 
request that they be known as the '' Foreign missionaries of 
the Central Church of Fall River," — though acting imder 
the American Board of Conmiissioners for Foreign Missions. 

One section of the large bookcase in the south parlor was 
set apart for a '^ Hinman Cabinet." Pictures, pamphlets, 
and articles, sent from our missionaries in China, letters, and 
everything which would help to acquaint our people with the 
life and work of our missionaries in far-off Shaowu was to be 
gathered there for preservation and inspection. 

A peculiar circimistance and pleasant surprise was to learn 
from a private letter that a description of the Central Church 
in Fall River, U. S. A., appeared not long since in a paper. 
The Avedapa, printed in Constantinople, Turkey. Nothing 
is known of the occasion of this notice. 

1899. Early in the succeeding year (1899), the health of 
Mr. Knight became considerably impaired, though he did 
not give up his pulpit ministrations. At this juncture, an 
opportimity offering for him to take a sea-voyage to the West 
Indies, his parishioners seized the occasion to present him with 
a generous purse of money, to give him a midwinter vacation 
and the chance to seek renewed health in this milder clime. 
Its successful issue is voiced in the following pastoral mes- 
sage, copied from the February " Church Messenger." 

For the generous goodness of his parishioners, too abounding to 
be itemized ; for the stay in the June-like sunshine of Bermuda ; for 



74 History and Annals of the 

deepened love ; for restored health, the pastor begs to offer his affec- 
tionate gratitude. The thoughtful kindness to his family, the faith- 
fulness of officers and workers in caring for the Church's interests, the 
genial heartiness of all words and gifts and deeds, charming away the 
disappointment occasioned by absence from work at this season, have 
been as beneficent and beautiful in their influence as the sunny air and 
flowering hills of Bermuda. 

1899. April. The annual church meeting held in April, 
is memorable for the vigorous, diversified church life indicated, 
and for the unanimity and good feeling which prevailed 
throughout. It will long be remembered for that impress- 
ive scene when the beloved missionary — Rev. Edwin A. 
Buck — presented his resignation and the Church made him 
'' Missionary Emeritus.'' The Church accepted his resigna- 
tion with this declaration, that '^ in thus formally relieving 
him from the responsibilities of office, we do but make a 
change in form : that we desire and intend that his ministry 
shall go on among us, as his strength and health shall permit, 
only counting himself free from obligation to service." By 
a unanimous vote, Mr. Buck's salary of twelve hundred dol- 
lars per annum was continued. 

For more than thirty years, the Troy Cotton and Woolen 
Manufactory Corporation had given the use of the lot of land 
on the northeast corner of Pleasant and Sixth streets for the 
Central Church Mission Building. At this time, the corpo- 
ration intimated to the officers of the Society, the probable 
sale of the land in the near future. The prospects and con- 
dition of the mission in its vicinage and in other important 
respects had so changed that it was thought impracticable 
to move the building, and establish the school elsewhere. 
The building was accordingly sold. The Mission School then 
ceased to exist as an independent organization at another 
center, but was joined with the home school in the " Central 
Congregational Bible school " organization, with morning ses- 
sions on Sunday at nine o'clock as usual. All other mission- 



Central Congregational Church 75 

ary meetings, together with Mr. Buck's office, were transferred 
to the Chapel on Rock Street. A fine roller-top desk was 
placed in the room by the Rock Street entrance to the Chapel, 
and here Mr. Buck continued to be found at his well-estab- 
lished office hours, from ten to twelve each day of the week. 
A large portrait of Deacon Thomas F. Eddy, the long-time 
superintendent of the Mission School, was hung above the desk. 

1900. In the early part of the year, the Church sent to 
Elbowoods of Fort Berthold Mission, North Dakota, the 
communion set in use before adopting the individual com- 
munion cups (1895). It reached its destination by a long 
wagon route from the railroad. It will do service in B.ve 
stations. The missionary who received it sought by question 
and was successful in identifying our Church with an early 
association of his own, saying that when he was a student 
at Andover, he was called down to Fall River to consider 
assistant parish work in connection with Rev. Michael Burn- 
ham, pastor. 

Beside the regular established meetings, three companies 
of parishioners are doing good work in their respective 
departments. First, " The Pastor's Band," of boys and girls, 
who meet the pastor for twenty-minute lessons in christian 
teaching regularly each week. Second, '' The Boys' Brigade," 
and third, the " Men's League." Of this last, it has been 
said, " There is not a heartier or more quietly active organi- 
zation among us." (See Supplement.) 

What a busy place this great church is, each Sabbath day! 
Eight distinct regular meetings are held in its rooms each 
Sunday; yet so many are the workers, that no one seems 
overtaxed, though all the meetings are well cared for. It was 
impressive, as the noon school was passing out, to hear the 
singing of two companies of men, — here, the earnest voices 
of an " Armenian prayer-meeting," in the Chapel, and there 
the " Chinese Endeavorers " in the parlor of the Church. 
" Our Church is moving with a steady swing." This means 



76 History and Annals of the 

that many persons, each in his or her place, having duties 
intrusted to them, are carrying responsibiUties for the joy 
of doing good. Think of this day-long flow of devotion 
through these rooms, — of the young, the old, the rich, the 
poor, the men of many lands, — and your own worship will 
become better, because your thoughts of God and man will 
grow broader. On a certain Monday evening there were over 
thirty boys in line at the '' Boys' Brigade " drill. As they 
left one room of the Chapel, the bimonthly business meeting 
of the Church opened in another room, while across the yard, 
through the windows, were seen the church parlors filled 
with boys and girls, nearly a hundred in number, holding 
a reunion of Junior Christian Endeavor. 

Many of those who attend Central Church have learned 
to find a quiet but unfailing joy in the flowers beside the 
pulpit each Sabbath. This is one of the refining, silent 
ministrations in our church home. Never were the decora- 
tions of the Church more chaste and beautiful than at Christ- 
mas time, 1900. Great ropes or festoons of laurel were hung 
from the high vaulted roof and arches of the Church, and 
from pillar to pillar, having a peculiarly graceful effect, 
harmonizing with the style of architecture, and filling the 
immense spaces with the pendent loops of green. It was 
one of the most artistic as well as pleasing of the holiday 
designs worked out by Mr. Remington (C. V. S.) in recent 
years. 

This poetical description was penned at the time by the 
pastor : 

A Future Memory 

Above, the silent laurel hung 

Throughout the vaulted House of God; 

Below, the Christmas joy we sung; 

The poor, the rich, the old, the young, 
Who through those holy aisles had trod, — 

Christ's love o'er all, its spell had flung; 

Its symbol o'er us, Love had swung. 



Central Congregational Church 77 

190 1. We have prepared and printed a Directory for the 
entire Parish, endeavoring by much labor to make it as com- 
plete as possible. Dm"ing this year, a pastor's assistant — 
Mrs. Mary H. Smith — has been appointed in accordance 
with the vote of the Church. Her work in the parish has 
proved most re-assuring and gratifying. (See Supplement.) 

Considerable progress has been made in reducing the list 
ofjabsent members, by inducing them to place their church 
letters where they now reside. Our parish covers practically 
the entire city, and one of the efforts we have made, has been 
to divide the whole field into districts and establish a system- 
atic method of visiting. The clerk's report shows a mem- 
bership of six hundred and four. 

The pastor and deacons, in their report for 1901, grate- 
fiilly recognize the evidences of the Divine Spirit's guidance 
among us. The harmonious and vigorous working of the 
many agencies of the Church is recorded. For the faithful- 
ness and devotion of each office bearer, each committee, 
each worker, in whatever relation, they would voice the 
gratitude of the Church and the " Well done " of our Lord. 
Though there has been an unusual amount of sickness and 
death about us, the list of those who have left us for the 
Home above is not remarkably long. There has been no 
special religious interest, commonly called a revival, though 
at every regular communion service there have been acces- 
sions to our membership, for the most part on confession of 
faith. The methods of teaching and personal influence have 
been utilized chiefly with reference to the youth of the Church. 

In the fall of 1901, the Congregational churches of Boston 
were confronted with a perplexing question as to the best 
usefulness of '' Berkeley Temple," in its institutional work, 
and among the large body of clerks, students, and young 
people in its immediate vicinity. A pastor and preacher with 
much executive abihty was desired; one who should be broad 
in his sympathies, progressive, and with some practical 



78 History and Annals of the 

experience in church and pastoral life. In their survey of the 
field, their judgment finally led them to invite Mr. Knight 
to this responsible and laborious work. The character of the 
call, and those making it, as well as the larger sphere of chris- 
tian work and influence was recognized. 

At the close of the midweek prayer-meeting, on Thursday, 
December 19, 1901, a churdi meeting was held, at which 
Deacon Holmes read a letter from the pastor, asking that he 
be dismissed from this church, to accept a most urgent call 
to the pastorate of Berkeley Temple, Boston, the resignation 
to take effect January 12, 1902. The Church and Society 
accepted the resignation in accordance with the suggestions 
made, and voted that Mr. Knight's salary be continued imtil 
February, 1902. Pursuant to letters missive, a council for 
dismission met in the parlors of the church, January 3, 1902. 
After due consideration of the letters and records submitted, 
the council voted, '' That the action of Rev. Wilham A. 
Knight in resigning, and that of the Church in accepting the 
resignation, is approved by the council, and the dissolution 
of the pastoral relation existing between the Central Church 
and Mr. Knight is advised, to take effect at the time mentioned 
in the letter of resignation." 

Mr. Knight preached his last sermon as pastor of the Church 
January 12, 1902, from the text, '' That the people may all call 
upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent." 
— Zephaniah 3 : 9. 



Pastof^s Assistant 



As already mentioned in the annals for 1901, the growth 
of the parish work and the numerous and insistent calls upon 
the pastor suggested the need of a pastor's assistant or helper, 
— one who could attend to many minor demands, give the 
pastor more time for study and preparation for his pulpit 



Central Congregational Church 79 

duties, and assist the Relief Committee in its ministrations to 
the sick and suffering. 

Mr. Knight had already found such assistance very useful 
in some clerical work in which he had secured the services of 
Mrs. Mary H. Smith, one of our active members and workers 
in the Beneficent Society and Sunday school. 

Provision for a tentative trial of the plan and support 
through the fall of 1900-1 was made by private subscription. 
The plan proved so successful that Mrs. Smith has since 
been permanently employed as ''Pastor's Assistant," — 
the Society voting a regular salary for the purpose at its 
annual meeting. 

A hint of the work which falls to the pastor's assistant is 
given in the following report, submitted at the annual meeting 
of the Church, in April, 1902. 



Report of Pastor's Assistant 

The work of a pastor's assistant is of so miscellaneous and personal 
a character that it is impossible to give a complete report. During 
the year just closed, 674 parish calls have been made; of these, 216 
were calls upon the sick. Money has been given as thought wise for 
relief. At Christmas and Easter, money for the season's cheer and 
comfort was intrusted to my stewardship. 

Last summer a lady gave money for outings for children and tired 
mothers. This fund was used for excursions by water and by electrics. 

Numbers of books and magazines have been received and distrib- 
uted, not only in the city but in the outlying neighborhoods where 
books are not so abundant. 

My work has been helped at all times by the hearty cooperation 
and sympathy of our chm'ch people. A new church directory has 
been compiled. The returns from the '' house-to-house visitation," 
made under the auspices of the District Sunday-school Association, 
have made it possible to get a very correct Ust; also to find the stran- 
gers who have given our church their preference as a church home. 
It has been a very great pleasure to welcome many such and espe- 
cially those who have expressed a desire to share with us our church 
life. 



80 History and Annals of the 

Since our former pastor, Rev. Mr. Knight, left us, the chairman of 
the ReUef Committee (Mrs. Deacon Holmes) has been a tower of 
strength, giving wise council and direction. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Mary H. Smith. 
Fall River, April, 1902. 



Men's League of Central Church 

In the winter of 1900-1, under the pastorate of Rev. 
William A. Knight, a club organization was formed among 
the men of the parish, to carry out certain purposes 
deemed wise and helpful for the Church and congregation. 
It fulfilled its mission in the years for which it was planned. 
An outline of its origin, purpose, and methods is given 
herewith. 

In a conversation of Mr. Knight with several of his yoimg 
men, members and active workers in church and parish, the 
idea was conceived of forming a social organization among 
the young men of the Central Church. 

Meetings were held which finally resulted in the formation 
of a club called the '^ Men's League of Central Church." 

The officers included a chairman, a secretary, and treasurer. 
The chairman was authorized to appoint a committee of four 
from the League membership to further the plans of the exec- 
utive officers. Any man who attended service could make 
himself a member of the League by simply signing the con- 
stitution. There was no fee whatsoever, except such as any 
member was inclined to give, and yet the receipts of the club 
were ample to carry it along, and also to take care of social 
gatherings with entertainments. 

The officers were changed every six months, and the ad- 
visory committee every two months. This gave in time all 
the members a term in the most active work, thereby getting 
new ideas continually, and having the benefit of the talent 
of each in his turn. 



Central Congregational Church 81 

The first idea of the League was to break up any feehng of 
diffidence among parishioners, members and non-members 
of the Church, and make every one feel that he amounted to 
something, and that something was expected 'of him. This 
was partly accomplished by a most important rule, viz., every 
member was obliged to know personallj^ every other member. 
Club members were supposed to wear on Sunday evenings a 
little button, so that every man with a button, seeing another 
man with a button, knew that he must be acquainted. If 
he was not, he must get introduced or he m^ust introduce 
himself forthwith, and must make the time a pleasant one 
for his club associate. This obligation rested on each alike 
and was very successful. 

The work of the advisory committee on Sunday evenings 
was the most important feature of the whole. They were 
to be on hand early and notice all strangers who came to the 
evening service, and where they were placed by the ushers. 
Then some one was designated to go and seat himself near by, 
and at the close of the service to speak to the stranger in a 
pleasant way, ask him to come again, and if possible to enlist 
him among the regular attendants. 

The League had meetings sometimes after the regular 
evening service, and occasionally enjoyed a good song service 
together. Several socials were held with a supper or refresh- 
ments, to promote further fellowship and acquaintance. 



82 History and Annals of the 



Interregnum Between Pastorates 

At the annual meeting in April, 1902, the following '' Re- 
trospect '' was submitted in place of the regular Annual 
Report of Pastor and Deacons. 

A BRIEF RETROSPECT 

OP 

THE CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

FALL RIVER, MASS. 
For the Year ending April 20, 1902 



Present Membership; Membership Dismissed and Deceased; Reports 

of the Church, Sunday Schools and Societies; Benevolences 

and Notes of the Year. 

Enrollment 

Membership of the Church, jApril 21, 1902 (including non- 
residents) 604 

Membership of the Sunday schools, April 21, 1902: 

Morning school 250 

Noon school 325 

Average congregation for the year 1901-02 (morning service) . 294 

Sunday school, average attendance (morning school) . . . 165 

Noon school, average attendance 228* 

Membership, Fathers' and Mothers' Bible Class 50 

Membership, Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor: 

Active, 40; Associate, 17; Honorary, 30. Total ... 96 

Received to Membership, 1901-02 

On confession of faith 21 

By letter 6 

27 

Dismissed by letter 14 

* This average is based on forty sessions. 



Central Congregational Church 83 

Members Deceased 

Edwin P. Elsbree. Adriana W. Earl. 

Edward M. Thurston. Mrs. Mary A. Ravenscroft. 
Isabel Jepson. 

Church Benevolences (as per Treasurer) 

Union Hospital $82.28 

Congregational Church Building Society 119.35 

Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing Society . . 66.53 

For Sunday-school work 75.00 

For Children's Home 173.10 

American Missionary Association 338.21 

Home Missions 609.39 

Foreign Missions : 

Mr. and Mrs. Hinman, missionaries in China . . . 805.62 

South China Mission, Rev. C. R. Hagar 25.00 

American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions . 190.10 

Deacon's Fund (amount on hand) 74.76 

Calendar Waymarks for 1901-02 

Monday, May 6, 1901. Pastors of the city and their wives were 
entertained in the church parlors by the ladies of oiu* parish. 

May 18. The Willing Helpers' Society held a festival in the ves- 
tries of the First Church. 

May 18. Supplies to value of $175 were sent to our missionaries 
in China, Mr. and Mrs. Hinman. 

May 30. Members of morning school with their friends enjoyed an 
outing at Touisset Park. 

June 9. Communion. Three fifths of our resident membership 
were present. 

June 18. Social and entertainment by Yo^mg People's Society 
of Christian Endeavor. 

June 19. Morning school voted to send their May collection to 
our missionaries in China. 

September 1. Senior Christian Endeavor Society resumed its 
regular meetings. The young man whose tuition this society was 
paying for in Fisk University was graduated last summer. The 
society voted to do a similar work this year. 

September 8. All departments of the noon Bible school resumed 
work to-day. 



84 History and Annals of the 

September 15. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was ob- 
served. 

September 19. The Beneficent Society voted to send boxes to 
Rev. John Peters, Minnesota, and Rev. Chris Philepsen, Racine, 
Wis. 

October 6. Annual meeting of the Beneficent Society. Election 
of officers. Officers elected: President, Mrs. A. N. Lincoln; vice- 
president, Mrs. Abner P. Davol; secretary, Mrs. James F. Jackson; 
treasurer. Miss Maria R. Hicks. 

October 24. Twenty-first annual meeting of the Old Colony 
Branch, Foreign Missions, was held in Rochester, Mass. Mrs. Balan- 
tine, of India, addressed the meeting. 

October 25. First parish supper of the church year, followed 
by a social. 

October 27. Offering for the support of our missionaries in China, 
Mr. and Mrs. Hinman, $805.00. 

November 3. Communion. Fifteen members received. 
November 17. Rev. Mr. Beard, of Cambridge, preached. 
November 21. Rev. M. Ewing, of Pekin, China, who was there 
during the siege, spoke in the prayer-meeting. 

November 22. Parish supper, followed by musical. 
December 1. Dr. F. A. Noble, Chicago, preached in the evening. 
December 8. It having become generally known that Berkeley 
Temple, Boston, was about to extend a call to our pastor, a few personal 
words from him to us appeared in our " Messenger." It was with a 
feeling of homesickness and sadness that this message was penned and 
read, — for who of us meet change and parting of the ways without sad- 
ness? — and we all felt that we had come to the beginning of the end 
of Mr. Knight's pastorate with us. How the young people loved him, 
and what comfort and cheer he brought to the old! What tender 
words of comfort to the bereaved! We shall always think of him as 
with a mind and will to do more than his strength would allow. 
We hope that in his new field, he will have many hands and hearts to 
help in the work that waits so hopefully for him. 

December 12. Church meeting called to hear letter of resignation 
from Mr. Knight. 

December 27. Society meeting to act on the resignation. 
January 4, 1902. Annual festival of the morning Sunday school 
in the Chapel. 

January 10. Parish supper. This was the last gathering where 
the pastor could be with our people. 



Central Congregational Church 85 

January 12. Mr. Knight's last sermon. Text: " That the people 
may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent." 
Zephaniah 3:9. 

January 18. Pulpit supply, Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D. 

January 26. Dr. A. E. Dunning preached. 

The Chinese Christian Endeavor Society won the "Attendance" 
Banner for the fourth time consecutively. 

January 28. An entertainment under the auspices of the Young 
People's Society of Christian Endeavor was given in the Chapel. The 
proceeds are to be used to fm^nish a suite of rooms in the Young Men's 
Christian Association building. 

February 9. Dr. Joseph B. Clark, Secretary of the Congrega- 
tional Home Missionary Society, preached. Annual offering taken. 

February 16. Rev. R.W.Scott, D.D. , of Newton, supplied the pulpit. 

February 20. At a special meeting called at the close of the 
prayer-meeting service, letters of dismission and recommendation 
were granted to Rev. and Mrs. Wm. A. Knight and daughter. 

February 23. Rev. George Hastings Burgess, of Illinois, preached. 

February 28. Beneficent Society voted to secure funds for a 
new carpet for our chm^h by sending subscription cards to the ladies 
of our parish. 

March 2. Communion. Preaching by Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D. 

March 6. Last parish supper of the season. Entertainment 
in the Chapel. 

;\Llrch 9. Rev. J. 0. Haarvig, of Allston, Mass., preached. 

March 16. Rev. John Cahdn Goddard, of Salisbury, Conn. 

March 20. Last regular meeting of the Beneficent Society for the 
season. 

IVL^CH 23. Rev. F. W. Merrick, D.D., of Roxbury, Mass. 

March 30. Easter. Preaching by Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., in 
the morning, and in the evemng Easter service of both Bible schools. 

April 1. Annual meeting of the Young People's Society of Chris- 
tian Endeavor. Election of officers, followed by social. 

April 6. Rev. Angus S. McDonald, of Jacksonville, Fla. In the 
evening the choir sung the cantata, " Easter Eve and Morn." 

April 13. Rev. F. E. Emrich, Ph.D., of South Framingham. 

April 20. Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., of Minneapolis. 

April 21. Annual church meeting. Voted, '' To hold communion 
services first Sundays in October, January, March, May, and third 
Sunday in June." 

April 25. Annual meeting church Society. 



86 History and Annals of the 



OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES 

PASTOR 

Rev. William A. Knight 

DEACONS 

Chas. J. Holmes. Chas. A. Baker. Geo. O. Lathrop. Henry H. Earl. 
Clerk, Walter E. Dow. Treasurer, Richard B. Borden. 

CHURCH committee 

Chairman, Rev. William A. Knight. 
Deacon Chas. J. Holmes. Charles H. Wells. 

Deacon Chas. A. Baker. Rev. Edwin A. Buck, Missionary Emeritus. 
Deacon Geo. 0. Lathrop. C. V. S. Remington, Supt. Noon School. 
Deacon Henry H. Earl. John S. C. Fielden, Supt. Morning School. 
Andrew Borden. Walter E. Dow, Clerk. 

RELIEF committee 

Mrs. Elizabeth McWilliams. Mrs. Charles J. Holmes. 

Mrs. Chas. A. Baker. Miss Abby B. Wrightington. 

Mrs. Joseph A. Bowen. Mrs. Daniel H. Cornell. 

Mrs. Annie B. Jennings. Mrs. George Congdon. 

USHERS 

Chairman, Walter E. Dow. 
Elmer B. Young. Geo. W. Hargraves. Stanley Towle. 

Chas. E. Foster. Thomas Lang. Edwin R. Young. 

Walter C. Hadley. M. Hartwell Adams. Eugene M. Brown. 

Musical Director, Frank L. Andrews. Organist, Thos. V. Walkden. 

COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIETY 

Alanson J. Abbe. Charles E. Fisher. James W. Brigham. 

Albert F. Dow. Elmer B. Young. 

Clerk and Treasurer, James W. Brigham. 




Deacon Henry H. Earl Deacon George 0. Lathrop 

Deacon Charles J. Holmes Rev. CLARENCE F. SWIFT, D.D. Deacon Charles A. Baker 

Deacon Newton R. Earl Pastor Deacon C. V. S. Remington 

Deacon Wilfred D. Fellows Deacon James W. Brigham 



Central Congregational Church 87 



Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D*D. 

Seventh Pastor, from A.D* J902 — 

1902. On Thursday evening, May 22, a business meeting 
of the Chiuch was called at the close of the weekly prayer- 
meeting. Deacon C. J. Holmes, chairman of the Committee 
on Pulpit Supplies, made a statement of the work which had 
been done by the committee in looking up a pastor. He 
then presented a recommendation from them, that the Church 
extend a call to Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., of Minne- 
apolis, Minnesota. 

From the many letters received, giving information con- 
cerning Dr. Swift, the clerk read those of most interest. After 
due consideration and some discussion, it was voted ^' to 
proceed to a ballot," which resulted in practically a unani- 
mous vote to extend to Dr. Swift a call to the pastorate of 
Central Church. Charles J. Holmes, Richard B. Borden, and 
Albert F. Dow, in behalf of the Chm"ch, and Andrew Borden and 
John H. Boone, for the Society, were appointed a committee to 
take the necessary steps for installation, if the call was accepted. 

A letter containing the action of the Chui'ch and Society, 
together with the attested copies of the same, signed on be- 
half of the Society by Henry H. Earl, moderator, and James 
W. Brigham, clerk, was immediately mailed to Dr. Swift. 
The following note was also added to the official papers : 

Allow us, dear sir, to add to the m\'itation contained in these votes, 
the expression of our earnest hope, that you will find it to be the 
desire of the great Head of the Church that you should accept this 
call to be our pastor, and name an early day for the installation service. 
Praying God to bless you, and all who love our Lord Jesus Christ 
in sincerity, we subscribe ourselves, 

Yours in the gospel, C. J. Holmes. 

R. B. Borden. 
A. F. Dow. 
Andrew Borden. 
J. H. Boone. 



88 History and Annals of the 

The formal letter of acceptance was read on June 19, 1902, 
and on July 16 an ecclesiastical council convened in the Chapel 
at three o'clock p.m., " to review the facts relating to the call 
of the Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., to the pastorate of the 
Central Church; to listen to a statement of his views respect- 
ing christian truth; and, if judged expedient, to assist in the 
service of installation." 

The council convened at the time and place appointed, and 
subsequently in executive session it was unanimously voted : 
^' that the examination is deemed satisfactory, and that the 
council proceed to the installation at 7.30 o'clock p.m." 

The public services were as follows: Invocation; hjnrnn, 
" God, the Rock of Ages " ; reading of Scripture, Rev. 
Charles H. Talmage, Taimton; sermon. Rev. Albert M. Hyde, 
D.D., Toledo, Ohio; hymn, ^' everlasting Light " ; install- 
ing prayer. Rev. Ernest W. Shurtleff, Minneapolis; charge 
to the pastor. Rev. Albert E. Dunning, D.D., Boston; right 
hand of fellowship. Rev. Payson W. Lyman, Fall River; 
charge to the people. Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D., Worcester; 
benediction, pastor. 

Dr. Swift assumed the duties of the pastorate immediately, 
the Church having then a membership of a little over six 
hundred, but he did not enter upon his pulpit ministrations 
until the following September. 

Several of the older members of the Church and congre- 
gation recognized in Dr. Swift a man so much like their former 
beloved pastor, Dr. Thurston, that they at once welcomed 
him to their affections, and gave to him their hearty coopera- 
tion in his pastoral work. The black eye so full of life, the 
erect figure, the pleasant smile, carried them back to their 
younger days when, with strengthened faith and glowing zeal, 
they listened to Dr. Thurston as he presented the great truths 
of the gospel. 

Dr. Swift, in his sermon on Sunday morning, November 
16, 1902, — the Sixtieth Anniversary of the organization of 



Central Congregational Church 89 

the Church, — made allusion to the very interesting docu- 
ments he had been reading, and especially the accounts of the 
Jubilee in 1892. He noted some of the contrasts between 
''then " and ''now/' saying in part: 

At the Jubilee in 1892, six of the original seventy members were 
living, and five were present at the exercises. Today, one only (Mrs. 
Elizabeth V. Carr), is living. She is present this morning, and no one 
would suspect, from her looks, that she had attained to the dignity 
of an '' only sur\avor." 

Then the Church was entering upon its fifth pastorate, now the 
seventh is fairly begun. In the sixty years of the life of the Church, 
the average length of the pastorates has been nine years. Dr. Thurston 
having been pastor for over twenty years, and the pulpit being 
vacant for an aggregate of six years. 

The building is the same as that in which the Jubilee exercises were 
held, but it has been recently redecorated, refitted, beautified. 

The record of membership for the fifty years to 1892 was, 70 at 
the organization, 1,092 added, 656 removed, leaving 506 members 
at the Jubilee. Since then, 238 have been added and 129 removed, 
so that the present membership is 613. 

One fact, which makes a strong impression upon the mind of a 
Westerner, is the length of service rendered by so many of those who 
have held important positions in the Church. One thinks of the 
twenty years' pastorate of Dr. Thurston — whose widow still abides 
with us, with her unfailing interest in the work and with blessing for 
church and pastor ; of the thirty-five years which Mr. Buck has labored 
as missionary ; of the two church treasurers, Mr. Henry H. Fish and 
Mr. Richard B. Borden, whose terms of service cover the entire life 
of the Church; of the fifteen years which Mr. E. T. Marvell served as 
clerk and treasurer of the Society; of Mr. Lyman W. Deane's thirty- 
five years in charge of the music; of the twenty-five years in which 
Mr. E. A. Vandoorn was janitor. 

But I promised not to preach an historical sermon, and I dare not 
go further in this fascinating story. Who can estimate what it all 
means? Sixty years of life as a part of the working force of the king- 
dom of God! Sixty years of work and worship and fellowship in 
pulpit and in pew; at superintendent's desk and in teacher's chair; 
at the central building and at the chapel; at the door of the Lord's 
house and at the furnace door ; guiding the spiritual life and directing 
the financial affairs ; asofl&cers; on committees; in the ranks. 



90 History and Annals of the 

It is the personal side of it all, that comes back with greatest power. 
We honor the men and the women — stalwarts they were — who 
guided the first years of the Church's life, and who have never lacked 
successors. Their mighty influence, from strong lives and tactful 
words, have now become history, not only in the records of the Church, 
but in 

" lives made better by their presence." 

1902. November 21. Ere a week had passed, '' the per- 
sonal side of it all " was forced home to pastor and people 
in the sudden death of one of its strong men and officials, 
Col. Thomas J. Borden, who died November 21, 1902, after 
an illness of but a few days. Of native stock, a worthy son 
of a worthy sire, a foremost citizen, a strong life of great 
influence in business and social circles, in practical christian 
living, in morals and in religion, his death was a shock to the 
community, and to the Church whose welfare and growth he 
had sought to foster and maintain for more than fifty years. 
On December 4, the midweek prayer-meeting took the form 
of a '^ service in memory of Colonel Borden." Remarks were 
made by the pastor, Deacons C. J. Holmes and N. R. Earl, 
and Messrs. Andrew Borden and C. V. S. Remington. 

The following tribute adopted by the church committee 
on December 3, was read, and on motion it was voted ^' to 
accept and record the same on the church records," as the 
expression of its feelings of regret and sorrow at this dispen- 
sation of Divine Providence: 

Meeting to-day as a church committee, we are constrained to place 
on record our deep sense of the loss which we have sustained, in the 
death of Mr. Thomas J. Borden, our fellow member and deacon of 
the Central Church. Yet in our great loss, we would be guided by 
the words of St. Paul and " sorrow not even as others which have 
no hope," for we are sure that the term of his earthly service has 
merged into the higher service of heaven. 

The story of the remaining period of Dr. Swift's pastorate 
to the present time — July 1, 1905 — is well and clearly told 



Central Congregational Church 91 

by selections from the '' reports of the pastor and deacons, '^ 
made at the annual meetings in April of each year respectively, 
1903-04-05. 

Referring to our associate workers abroad, this statement 
is made: 

1903. January. Our missionary representative in China, Rev. 
George W. Hinman, with the approval of the Prudential Committee 
of the American Board, has accepted an invitation from the United 
Society of Christian Endeavor to act as their General Secretary in 
China, in the interest of the Christian Endeavor work. This step 
involves the severing of the special relation existing between Mr. Hin- 
man and wife, and the Central Church. The Prudential Committee 
have asked us to give our approval of the proposed plan. While, 
under the circumstances, we are constrained to give the desired 
approval, we do so only with the sincerest regret at the severing of the 
very pleasant and helpful relations which we, as a Church, have had 
with Mr. and Mrs. Hinman. The personal feature of our work together 
has appealed to us all. The visits of our " pastor in China " and his 
wife, to our Chm'ch and their names on the calendar, have helped to 
make the work a real one, and have been a stimulus to our prayers 
and gifts. 

1903. The report of the pastor and deacons, for the year 
ending March, says : 

The record of attendance upon the various services is on the whole 
encouraging. We recommend that a Missionary Committee of Fifteen 
be chosen at this meeting, who shall have the direction of all the mis- 
sionary activities of all departments of the Church. The events of 
the year deserving special mention are the following : 

The calling and installing of a new pastor; the re-decorating and 
re-furnishing of the auditorium, for which purpose the Beneficent 
Society raised about $1,600.00; the interest of the members of the 
Church in the new Young Men's Christian Association building, for 
which generous sums were given by our members, and in furnishing 
which the ladies raised over $300.00, and the Christian Endeavor 
Society, $125.00; the change in the times of holding the communion 
service, and the bimonthly business meetings ; the enlarging of the 
board of Deacons from four to eight; and the adoption of a new 
" Form of Admission and Covenant." (See Supplement.) But the 
fact which comes most definitely to all our minds, a fact which the 



92 History and Annals of the 

figures of the clerk can only tabulate but cannot fully express, is the 
almost irreparable losses which have come to the Church in the twenty- 
three deaths reported, among whom was our loved and honored 
missionary. Who are to take their places? 

Resolutions Adopted on the Death of our Missionary, 
; Rev. Edwin A. Buck. 

1903. April 30. Inasmuch as it has pleased the great Head of the 
Church to take to the eternal home [March 9, 1903] our honored mis- 
sionary, Rev. Edwin A. Buck, we are led to put on record this expres- 
sion of our love and esteem: 

For thirty-five years Mr. Buck gave his time and strength, faith- 
fully^ and fruitfully, for the welfare of this city. The expressions of 
grief at his death and the words of love and regard for him, have 
come from so many classes of people and have been so spontaneous 
and hearty, that they indicate a rare combination of qualities of mind 
and heart. The most marked elements, perhaps, in his character were 
kindness, integrity, unselfishness; but always he was as simple as a 
child, always accessible, and apparently almost unconscious of his 
power for good. His kindness and assistance to young men — many 
now no longer young — are remembered with warmest gratitude; 
his unfailing interest in their welfare; his words of encouragement; 
his wise advice. He was a friend of the friendless, a helper of the 
helpless, and a comfort to the comfortless. In such qualities as 
these, coupled with that strong and deepening faith in God of which 
he so often spoke, we are to find the explanation of the fruitfulness 
of his work. Such a character and such a work are a rich heritage 
for all who knew him, but especially for the Church with which all his 
service was so closely associated. We extend to his family this new 
expression of om- sympathy, and would share with them, both the 
sorrow and the hope which belong to those who sorrow not without 

hope. 

" A hand almighty to defend, 
An ear for every call, 
An honored life, a peaceful end. 
And heaven to crown it all." 

1904. From the report of pastor and deacons, April 18 : 

We have no hesitation in placing " progress " at the head of the 
year's report. Our membership remains practically unchanged. 
It is interesting to note, of the twenty-four new members, four are 



Central Congregational Church 93 

teaching in the Bible school and two are ushers. The revision of the 
roll of members has been begun, but waits a " more convenient season " 
for its completion. As regards Sunday services, there is no reason for 
anything but reasonable satisfaction. The benevolences have been 
maintained at their " alive " level of other years. We have no (for- 
eign) missionary of our own yet; but we wait the discovery of the 
man of destiny, to resume that personal relation with the foreign field 
which was of such value to us. We record with much gratitude the 
large attendance and deep interest at the special meetings of Passion 
Week. One does not realize what an eventful year the one just closed 
has been imtil the events are grouped together. Items of special 
interest are: 

1. The appointment of the Committee of Fifteen, and the in- 
auguration of the " Progress of the Kingdom '' meetings on the first 
Thursday evening of each month. 

2. The imion into the " Central Church Bible School " of the 
morning and noon schools. Many were reluctant to have the change, 
but to the majority, conditions seemed to make it inevitable, and 
results have justified the new arrangement. 

3. The organization of the " Young Pilgrims " for the boys and 
girls from nine years old to high-school age. The " Pilgrims " meet for 
an hour each Wednesday afternoon. 

4. The special interest among the young people of the Bible 
school centering on the service of " witnessing day." The conviction 
that some special work was required grew out of the fact that many 
members of our school, christians at heart, seem to need a more posi- 
tive decision for Christ, and a public committal to the christian 
life. The propounding yesterday of the names of eighteen of the 
yoimg people to be received into the Church in May, bears eloquent 
witness to the fact that the influence was not temporary. 

An item of material progress is worthy of mention. In 
November (1903) the parlors were supplied with a new and 
beautiful upright piano of largest size. It was the gift of one 
of our deacons, Mr. Henry H. Earl, and was another token 
of his liberality and thoughtful consideration for the welfare 
of our beloved Zion. We all appreciate most heartily this 
latest expression of his love for the church. It found a fre- 
quent use at the social entertainments and parish suppers 
during the winter. 



94 History and Annals of the 

The piano in former use, a gift when the church was first 
built and furnished, was put in thorough repair and trans- 
ferred to the Primary Department room of the Bible school. 

From the Missionary Committee's annual report, April 18, 
1904: 

Our first work was the reorganization of the missionary concert, 
with a line of work mapped out for the year, with printed programs, 
and speakers, — men and women secured beforehand. The re- 
sponses from those assigned parts, the attendance, and the expressions 
of approval from those who have attended, encouraged us to believe 
that the present plan, is, for us, the solution of the missionary concert. 
(See Supplement for complete programs for the years 1903-04 and 
1904-05.) 

In connection with the committee of the Christian Endeavor Society, 
we have had the pleasure of installing a missionary library of choice 
works on missions, home and foreign. 

Monday evening, June 13, 1904. Regular business meeting: — 
After the usual business had been concluded, the subject of a '' Church 
History " was brought before the meeting for consideration, resulting 
in the appointment of Mrs. William Carr, Mrs. EH Thiu-ston, and Mrs. 
Charles J. Holmes as a committee to consider the matter, and if 
deemed expedient, to gather material for such a history. (See Supple- 
ment for record of vote, report, etc.) 

Early in the year, much thought was given to the selection of a 
foreign missionary to be supported by the Church, in place of 
Mr. and Mrs. Hinman. The choice fell upon Mr. Edward Scribner 
Cobb, of Newton Centre, Mass., who was under appointment from 
the American Board, to Niigata, a city central on the west coast of 
Japan. 

In August, voted, " that we approve the recommendation of the 
Missionary Committee in relation to our foreign work; that we 
accept the suggestion of the American Board that Mr. and Mrs. Ed- 
ward Scribner Cobb be our representatives in the work in Japan ; and 
that the Church call an ecclesiastical council for the ordination of Mr. 
Cobb." The pastor and Deacon Newton R. Earl were appointed a 
committee to arrange for the services. 

The following is a copy of the letter missive sent to churches 
and individuals to attend the ordination services of Mr. Cobb : 



Central Congregational Church 95 

The Centkal Congregational Church, Fall River. 

To THE Congregational Church, 

Greeting : 

Whereas, Mr. Edward Scribner Cobb, a member of this Church; 
beUe\ang that the Lord has called him to the ministry of the Word, 
desires ordination, in view of special work now before him, — namely, 
*' foreign missionary work," — and trusts that he has obtained the 
preparation of mind and heart necessary to qualify him for its sacred 
duties; we therefore affectionately request you to be present by 
pastor and delegate in an ecclesiastical council hereby called, to meet 
in our place of worship on Thursday, September 29, 1904, at three 
o^clock P.M., which shall review our proceedings, make necessary 
examination, and, if the result be favorable, proceed with us to his 
ordination, and extend to him the fellowship of the Congregational 
ministers and churches. 

Wishing you grace, mercy, and peace, 

C. F. Swift, Pastor, 
N. R. Earl, Deacon, 
September 12, 1904. Committee. 

At the church business meeting, September 26, it was 
voted '' to receive by letter Mr. E. S. Cobb and Miss Florence 
Brooks (now Mrs. E. S. Cobb) into membership of the Church, 
they to be publicly received at the ordination service of 
Mr. Cobb.^' 

The pastor was commissioned to send on behalf of the 
Church a telegram of congratulation to Mr. and Mrs. Cobb, 
the same to reach them at the time of their wedding reception, 
on the afternoon of September 27, 1904. 

Mr. Cobb was present at the midweek service of September 
22, and gave an informal talk about his work. On Tuesday, 
September 27, Mr. Cobb was married to Miss Florence Brooks, 
of New York City. They came here the following Thursday 
for the ordination of Mr. Cobb. The sermon was preached 
by Dr. George W^illiam Emox, of Union Theological Seminary, 
and other parts w^ere taken by Rev. James L. Barton, D.D. ; 
Rev. William Cobb (father of the candidate); Rev. W. W. 



96 History and Annals of the 

Adams, D.D., and our pastor, Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D. 
A church and parish gathering was held the following Friday 
evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arba N. Lincoln, when 
many availed themselves of the opportunity to meet our 
missionaries. After this pleasant introduction, Mr. and Mrs. 
Cobb went to Grinnell, Iowa, to attend the annual meeting 
of the American Board, and from there started on their long 
journey to Japan, reaching Niigata in the latter part of 
November. 

It was proposed by the pastor, that a letter be sent each 
month to our foreign representatives, and the following ladies 
were asked to assume the responsibility for the year 1905 : 
January and July, Mrs. A. N. Lincoln; February and August, 
Mrs. George S. Eddy; March and September, Miss Carrie L. 
Borden; April and October, Miss Anna C. Holmes; May and 
November, Mrs. R. B. Borden; June and December, Mrs. 
N. R. Earl. The church calendars are forwarded at the end 
of each month, while Dr. Swift and Mrs. Swift write at fre- 
quent intervals. 

The letters received from Mr. and Mrs. Cobb are read at 
some evening service. By these methods a strong bond of 
helpful interest is maintained between the home and foreign 
departments of our church work. 

We record our increasing satisfaction with the plan for 
monthly concerts. At each meeting there have been two 
papers, one on some phase of Japanese life; one on some phase 
of missionary effort; and news and items from both foreign 
and home fields are given by Mr. H. H. Earl and Mrs. C. F. 
Swift. The response received from those asked to take 
topics, the care in preparing them, the attendance and interest 
in the meetings, entirely justify us in continuing to believe 
that '' the present plan is for us the solution of the problem 
of the missionary concert." 

A ten-volume set of books on Japan has been added to the 
missionary library. 




MEMORIAL BRONZE TABLET 

List of Pastors of Central Congregational Church 

A.D. 1844-1902 



Central Congregational Church 97 

1905. From the report of pastor and deacons, April 17 : 

In preparing this report, we are supposed to take a survey of all 
the departments of the church life, to note the events of unusual 
importance, to interpret the facts and figures given in the more 
formal reports and to record general impressions, — all for the sake of 
a clearer vision of the past and a wiser outlook for the future. 

Foremost among the events of the year just past is the calling, ordain- 
ing, and bidding Godspeed to our new co-workers in the foreign field, 
Rev. and Mrs. Edward Scribner Cobb, who are now at work in Niigata, 
Japan. 

Last September (1904) we began using our much-talked-of and 
long-delayed new hyran book, the '^ Church Hymnary," pubhshed 
by Maynard, Merrill & Co., New York. 

At Christmas time, the leaders of the Bible school conducted us 
into the good old ways, and we had a genuine big Christmas-tree, 
with the emphasis put on giving to others rather than getting. 

In February (1905) Rev. Washington Gladden, D.D., of Columbus, 
Ohio, moderator of the National Council, visited the Congregational 
churches of the city, and gave an address in our church. 



Memorial Bronze Tablet 

In the original construction of the New Church edifice 
(1874-75), a beaut if id marble and gray sandstone Tablet — 
''In Memoriam " — was placed in the front finish of the 
pastor's room, as a tribute to the Rev. Samuel Washburn 
and Rev. Eli Thiu-ston, D.D., the first pastors of the Church. 
A description of the same is given in the Annals of 1874-75. 

No other public record was placed upon the walls of the 
auditorium, until in March, 1905, there appeared a Memorial 
Bronze Tablet, about thirty by forty inches in size, affixed to 
the north wall, near the northeast entrance to the pastor's 
room, and containing a List of all the Pastors from 1844 
to 1902, with the dates of their installation and the termina- 
tion of their official service. 

The accompanying reproduction of the Tablet will not only 



98 History and Annals of the 

preserve the record for easy reference, but will also convey 
a clearer conception of it than many words of description. 

It was the gift of Deacon Henry H. Earl, who, inspired by 
his loyalty to the Central Church, and his desire that this 
part of its history should be preserved for future use and 
reference, had designed this memorial and by permission of 
the proper officials had erected the same at his own expense. 

Pastor's report continued : 

Mention should be made of the unusual success, this year, of the 
parish suppers and the entertainments planned in connection with 
them. The character of the entertainments and the attendance have 
been very gratifying to those in charge. 

A comparison of the last three years with the eleven years just 
preceding them shows some interesting facts. During the eleven 
years from 1891 to 1902, the average additions were twenty-five; for 
the last three years, 1902-1905, thirtj^ For the eleven years, the 
average losses were fourteen; for the three years, twenty-eight, just 
double the number. The present total membership is five hundred 
and seventy-eight. 

The Standing Committee has made a beginning in the revision of 
our roll by placing forty names on a " Reserved List." These are 
people who have been, in one way or another, entirely lost to the 
Church. They are still technically members, and may be reinstated 
at any time ; but their names wUl not be printed as members, nor 
counted in our total, nor permitted to swell pretensions or our responsi- 
bilities. 

The revised " Parish Directory " to May 1, 1905, was completed 
and issued about the middle of June. 

The spiritual interest has been marked and wholesome during the 
latter weeks of the church year (to April), both in the Bible schools 
and the Church at large. The results as seen in the members added 
and the applications for membership, justify us in feeling and 
expressing a genuine though not unqualified satisfaction. 

Finally, we have every reason for keeping on with the work given 
us to do, with endeavor and prayer and faith and hope. 



Central Congregational Church 99 

Celebration of the Semi-Centennial of Central Church 
Novcmbef \6, 1892 

Reference has already been made, in the preceding Annals, 
to the Semi-Centennial of Central Church, which was 
celebrated on November 13, 1892, — the Sabbath nearest to 
the anniversary date. 

A copy is herewith inserted of the letter of invitation, the 
full program, and other papers, poems, letters, etc., giving 
added information, incidents, and sketches, alike useful and 
necessary to complete the picture of the past of Central Church, 
its pastors, its members, its activities, its social and spiritual 
life. 



[copy of circular letter] 

1842 CENTRAL CHURCH, FALL RIVER 1892 

Semi-Centennial 
Dear Brothers and Sisters: 

The Central Church of Fall River, Mass., completes Fifty Years 
of its existence on the sixteenth day of November next, A.D. 189£. 

They have been years of varied experienx^e, of great spiritual growth 
to many souls, and of unwearied toil in many branches of christian labor 
and usefulness. 

It is proposed to hold the day in remembrance by simple and appropri- 
ate services on the preceding Sabbath, November 13, 1892. 

The program, as at present outlined, provides for a special sermon in 
the morning by the pastor. Rev. Wm. Walker Jubb; the reading of his- 
torical papers relating to the church, the home and the m.ission Sunday 
schools, in the afternoon; and brief addresses from former pastors and 
others, in the evening. 

It will greatly add to the interest of the occasion to have a full attend- 
ance of all members, past and present, and you are cordially invited to 
make such arrangements as will secure your presence at these services. 
L Of C -^^ behalf of the Church, 

Geo. O. Lathrop, Clerk. 



100 History and Annals of the 

[copy op program] 

I842-I892 



Semi-Centennial 

OF THE 

CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

Fall Rivee, Mass. 



NOVEMBER THIRTEENTH, 1892 



Order of Services 

Held Sunday, November 13, 1892, in the Central Congregational 
Church, corner of Rock and Franklin streets, Fall River, Mass., in 
commemoration of the organization of the Church, — November 16, 
1842. 

Morning: Services 

Voluntary Haydn 

Mr. Lyman W. Deane 

Anthem Gaut 

This is the day, which the Lord hath made, 

V^e will rejoice and be glad in it. 

Blessed is he that cometh, in the name of the Lord, 

We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. 

God is the Lord which hath shewed us light : 

Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar. 

Lord's Prayer Congregation 

Hymn 18 Warwick 

With joy we hail the sacred day, 

Which God hath called his own; 
With joy the summons we obey 

To worship at his throne. 



Central Congregational Church 101 

Thy chosen temples, Lord! how fair! 

Where willing votaries throng, 
To breathe the humble fervent prayer, 

And pour the choral song. 

Spirit of grace! O deign to dwell 

Within thy Church below, 
Make her in holiness excel. 

With pure devotion glow. 

Let peace within her walls be found. 

Let all her sons unite, ^ 

To spread with grateful zeal around . 

Her clear and shining light. I 

Responsive Reading 

1 come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise 
to the Rock of our salvation. 

2 Leo us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a 
joyful noise unto him with psalms. 

3 come let us worship and bow down : let us kneel before the 
Lord our maker. 

4 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the 
sheep of his hand. 

5 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our 
God, in the mountain of his holiness. 

6 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, 
the city of the Great King. 

7 The Lord hath chosen Zion : He hath desired it for his habitation. 

8 This is my rest forever: here will I dwell: for I have desired it. 

9 They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which can- 
not be removed, but abideth for ever. 

10 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is 
round about his people from henceforth even for ever. 

11 How amiable are thy tabernacles, Lord of hosts. 

12 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth, for the courts of the Lord. 

13 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had 
rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the 
tents of wickedness. 

14 / was glad when they said unto me. Let us go into the house of 
the Lord. 



102 History and Annals of the 

15 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. 

16 Jerusalem is huilded as a city that is compact together. 

17 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the 
testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. 

18 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee, 

19 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. 

20 Blessed be the Lord God from everlasting to everlasting: and let 
all the people say Amen. 

21 Praise ye the Lord! 

Prayer Rev. M. Burnham, D.D. 

Hymn 197 Lenox 

Blow ye the trumpet, blow 

The gladly-solemn sound! 
Let all the nations know, 

To earth's remotest bound, 
The year of jubilee is come ; 
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home. 

Jesus, our great High Priest, 

Hath full atonement made: 
Ye weary spirits, rest; 

Ye mournful souls, be glad: 
The year of jubilee is come! 
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home. 

Extol the Lamb of God, 

The all-atoning Lamb; 
Redemption in his blood 

Throughout the world proclaim : 
The year of jubilee is come! 
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home. 

The gospel trumpet hear, 

The news of heavenly grace ; 
And, saved from earth, appear 

Before your Saviour's face: 
The year of jubilee is come! 
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home. 

Offertory Merkd 

Sermon Pastor, Rev. W. Walker Jubb 



Central Congregational Church 103 

Hymn 507 , , , St. Thomas 

I love thy kingdom, Lord, 

The house of thine abode, 
The Church our blessed Redeemer saved 

With his own precious blood. 

I love thy Church, God! 

Her walls before thee stand, 
Dear as the apple of thine eye, 

And graven on thy hand. 

Sure as thy truth shall last, 

To Zion shall be given 
The brightest glories earth can yield, 

And brighter bliss of heaven. 

Benediction 

PosTLUDE Mozdrt 



Afternoon Services 

Voluntary Mendelssohn 

Anthem Elvey 

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon his name. 

Tell the people what things he hath done ; 

let your songs be of him, and praise him. 

And let your talking be of all his wondrous works. 

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice in his Holy Name, 

Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Amen. 

Ls^ocation Rev. William J. Batt 

Selection, " Bow down Thine Ear " Old Choir 

Opening Address Dea. Charles J. Holmes 

Historical Paper Mrs. Eli Thurston 

Hymn 112 Cambridge 

O God, our help in ages past. 

Our hope for years to come. 
Our shelter from the stormy blast, 

And our eternal home! 



104 History and Annals of the 

Under the shadow of thy throne 

Thy saints have dwelt secure; 
Sufficient is thine arm alone 

And our defense is sure. 

Time, like an ever-rolling stream, 

Bears all its sons away; 
They fly forgotten, as a dream 

Dies at the opening day. 

God, our help in ages past, 

Our hope for years to come. 
Be thou our guard, while troubles last. 

And our eternal home! 

Historical Paper, '' The Central Church Sabbath School," 

|Mr. C. V. S. Remington, Superintendent 

Historical Paper, " The Mission Work of the Church," 

Rev. E. A. Buck, Missionary 

Hymn 122 Italian Hymn 

Come, thou almighty King, 
Help us thy name to sing, 

Help us to praise. 
Father all-glorious. 
O'er all victorious. 
Come and reign over us, 

Ancient of days! 

To the great One in Three 
The highest praises be 

Hence, evermore. 
His sovereign majesty 
May we in glory see 
And to eternity 

Love and adore! 

Poem, '' Retrospection " Miss Mary L. Holmes 

Hymn 209 Coronation 

All hail the power of Jesus' name I 

Let angels prostrate fall; 
Bring forth the royal diadem 

And crown him Lord of all. 



Central Congregational Church 105 

Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, 

Ye ransomed from the fall, 
Hail him who saves you by his grace. 

And crown him Lord of all. 

Let every kindred, every tribe, 

On this terrestrial ball, 
To him all majesty ascribe, 

And crown him Lord of all. 

Oh, that with yonder sacred throng 

We at his feet may fall! 
Well join the everlasting song, 
And crown him Lord of all. 
Benediction 
PosTLUDE Beethoven 



Evening: Services 

Voluntary Batiste 

Anthem Watson 

Unto thee, God, do we give thanks 

For that thy name is near, thy wondrous works declare, 

Thou visitest the earth and waterest it, 

Thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, 

Which is full of water. 

Thou preparest the corn 

When thou hast so provided for it. 

The pastures are clothed with flocks, the valleys also 

are covered over with corn. 
They shout for joy, they also sing. 

Scripture Reading Dea. Charles A. Baker 

Prayer Rev. W. Walker Jubb 

Hymn 329 Northfield 

Come, let us join oui* cheerful songs 

With angels round the throne; 
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues, 

But all their joys are one. 



106 History and Annals of the 

Jesus is worthy to receive 

Honor and power divine; 
And blessings more than we can give 

Be, Lord, forever thine. 

Let all that dwell below the sky 

And air, and earth, and seas, 
CJonspire to lift thy glories high, 

And speak thine endless praise. 

The whole creation joins in one, 

To bless the sacred name 
Of him that sits upon the throne, 

And to adore the Lamb. 

Address Rev. William J. Batt 

Paper, " Benefactions of Central Church," Col. Thomas J. Borden 

Hymn 124 Ijyons 

Oh, praise ye the Lord, prepare your glad voice 

His praise in the great assembly to sing; 
In their great Creator let all men rejoice. 

And heirs of salvation be glad in their King. 

With glory adorned, his people shall sing 
To God, who defense and plenty supplies; 

Their loud acclamations to him, their great King, 

Through earth shall be sounded and reach to the skies. 

Letters From Friends and Former Members 

Address Rev. M. Burnham, D.D. 

Hymn 497 Boylston 

Blest be the tie that binds 

Our hearts in christian love; 
The fellowship of kindred minds 

Is like to that above. 

We share our mutual woes, 

Our mutual burdens bear; 
And often for each other flows 

The sjrmpathizing tear. 



Central Congregational Church 107 

When we asunder part, 

It gives us inward pain; 
But we shall still be joined in heart, 

And hope to meet agam. 

This glorious hope revives 

Our courage by the way; 
While each in expectation lives, 

And longs to see the day. 

Benediction 

PosTLUDE Handel 



Outlines of Anniversary Sermon 

By Rev. W. Walker Jwbb» Pastor 

[November 13, 1892] 

The Anniversary Sermon was delivered by Rev. W. Walker Jubb. 
The text was Ephesians 5: 32: ''I speak concerning Christ and the 
church." In his preface, the speaker called attention to the signifi- 
cance for good of a body of men and women united for some high and 
holy service carrying on their work for half a century, and noted the 
principal departments of human conduct upon which such a body 
would work great influence ; he then applied his remarks to the Central 
Church, which he said was blessed at the beginning by men of stalwart 
moral natures, and which has rejoiced in a succession of men, who have 
regarded this church with something of the sacredness and love with 
which they have regarded their home and home-life. He next expa- 
tiated on the place and value of the church as an organization; it was 
the most important and most glorious of all earthly organizations; 
it was the interpreter of Christianity to the world. While considering 
the value of sacraments and distinguishing between influences on 
character, as to place and form, he cited John G. Whittier, an in- 
stance of one who rejected all sacraments, yet was as acceptable to God 
as the most distinguished saint who accepts them ; he held that sacra- 
ments are means of grace, but they do not make men christians ; they 
minister to the life, but they do not create the life. In the early time 
the power of God was bestowed on individuals; then came organiza- 
tion. The church is more than an organization, — it is a family; it is 
formed of those who are brethi-en in Christ Jesus, those who have been 
redeemed by the blood of Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit, 



108 History and Annals of the 

and are maintaining the kind of life that Christ Uved in Judea. 
Wherever such are gathered together, they constitute a church; so, 
no particular form of faith or ecclesiastical order has any authority to 
call itself exclusively " The Church"; nor have all the churches together 
a right to claim that they have included the full meaning of the august 
idea. The true Church of God is not divided, but distributed. Its 
majesty transcends all sectional divisions; it embraces the good of 
every age and clime, and generates everywhere the conditions of spirit- 
ual life and thought. This Central Church, so far as it has a living 
union with Christ, may call itself a church. A skeleton of the rest of 
the discourse is: We are a Congregational church because we stand 
for the spiritual principle that men everywhere when they come to- 
gether animated by a christian purpose have God in their midst. A 
blameless life is the condition of entrance to membership. We recog- 
nize no priest — we believe that priesthood robs man of his God- 
given liberty and destroys his manhood. The polity of the Congrega- 
tional church is also simple: it holds to the right of self-government 
for each church; it knows no proper distinction between pastor and 
laymen except that between teacher and learners. It does not profess 
to be the sole system on which a christian communion may be estab- 
lished, but to be a consistent scriptural one. 

Stress was laid upon the necessity of making faith supreme, and 
upon the superiority of spirit to method in church matters. Tribute 
was paid to the Puritans for their enduring and heroic qualities, and 
the large debt of Congregationalism to them was fully acknowledged. 
The speaker maintained that the Church must constantly renew her 
life and adapt herself to a changed environment. He exhorted the 
members to make new consecration. 



Anniversary Poem — ** Retrospection '^ 
By Mary Louisa Holmes 

It was the autumn of the year: 

The leaves were turning brown and sere: 

November's airs were fresh and chill: 

The river flowed so calm and still, 

When, fifty years ago to-day, 

A church was formed, to show the way 

From earth's dull care, and woe, and pain. 

To sinless Paradise again. 



Central Congregational Church 109 

All nature kept the Sabbath day: 
The widening river met the bay, 
And glowed and sparkled in the sun, 
Eager its ceaseless course to run. 
And quiet was the little town, 
Save where, from fair Watuppa down 
That lovely stream, the Quequechan, 
Tumbled and rippled, sparkled and ran. 

No sound of bell or organ tone. 

No house that they could call their own, 

No choir with voices strong and sweet. 

Proclaimed where first this church should meet. 

But silently the people came. 

Thro' quiet street and gi'assy lane, 

And met in old Pocasset Hall, 

Where first they sought the Lord of all. 

Eight months had hardly passed away, 
When, on a quiet Sabbath-day, 
Scarce yet the service had begun, 
The loud alarm of fire was rung. 
At first the preacher heeded not 
The summons, but soon all forgot 
Were text and sermon, prayer and praise. 
As nearer swept the threatening blaze. 

That was an awful summer day! 
Devouring flames swept every way! 
The Sim, that rose so clear and bright, 
Saw half the town destroyed ere night. 
The new church, rising incomplete, 
Was scorched and blackened by the heat : 
Tho part was saved, yet part was burned, 
As fitful winds their courses turned. 

Few are the people in this hall 
That dedication can recall: 
Old Central Church! how fair and white 
Your walls first met their longing sight : 
How large the vestry where they met ! 
That Sunday-school! I see it yet. 
The west side door the children sought 
^Vho still too young for church were thought. 



110 History and Annals of the 

Wliat changing pictures throng our sight! 
What memories come back to-night! 
We see again that audience hall: 
We see that pulpit, dark and tall : 
We hear those voices, strong and clear, 
That have been hushed for many a year: 
We hear the music's sweet refrain. 
And live those old times o'er again. 

A kindly man and dignified 

Came first our straying feet to guide: 

With gentle courtesy and grace, 

He led o'er many a rugged place. 

While day by day we stronger grew, 

Sought eagerly our work to do. 

But scarce four years had marked his stay, 

When failing health called him away. 

But who can tell of him who came 
With words of power, and tongue of flame? 
His keen black eye with clearest sight, 
Discerned the wrong, though clothed in light. 
And in those years of doubt and pain. 
When civil war rent us in twain. 
His voice for freedom and the right. 
Rang like a trumpet, clear and bright. 

That was a dreary winter day. 
When God called him from us away. 
So strong and firm the hand that led, 
We could not think of him as dead. 
Each one in all the city wide, 
Felt that a friend of his had died. 
O Spirit! strong for truth and right! 
Thy voice still speaks to us to-night. 

We waited for almost a year 
'Ere one was sent our grief to cheer. 
Then " God is love " is what he said; 
He spoke, and we were comforted. 
What love and sympathy he brought! 
What patience and what faith he taught! 
None went to him for help in vain: 
He shared our sorrows, ]:>ore our pain. 



Central Congregational Church 111 

But now, the time had come when we 
Had grown a mighty Church to be; 
And longed like IsraeFs king of old, 
A fairer temple to behold. 
Full soon its walls began to rise; 
Its lofty tower sought the skies; 
Its organ great with ringing tone 
Proclaimed at last the temple done. 

How beautiful it is, we cried! 
And gazed around with kindling pride. 
But soon before our startled eyes, 
A cloud arose which swept our skies. 
In vain we tried to pierce it through, 
It only large and darker grew. 
Till, on a glorious winter day. 
That heavy debt was swept away. 

Our Church arose from bended knee, 
And felt once more that she was free. 
While songs of praise still rent the air, 
She stooped another grief to bear. 
The burden of those years of debt, 
The sorrows, he could not forget. 
Had proved too much for him to bear, 
Who watched us with untiring care. 

We said " Good-bye " through gathering tears, 
To him whom we have loved for years. 
That spring-time seems so far away, 
And yet our hearts are his to-day. 
But life moves on; the Church's need 
Demands a shepherd who shall lead. 
And ere the leaves of autumn fall, 
A man of God has heard our call. 

Some quiet years speed swiftly by: 

Our paths by peaceful waters lie; 

Though some of those we fondly love, 

Are called to join the Church above. 

With sympathy and kindly care, . ' 

Our pastor seeks our grief to share. 

And bids us work, and watch, and pray, 

And strive to keep the upward way. 



112 History and Annals of the 

Again we stand alone, but stand 

Together, a united band. 

And steadily the work goes on. 

A Chapel is begun upon 

The land, awaiting it so long. 

And now a leader stanch and strong, 

Across the ocean comes ; and we 

Rejoicing, greet him heartily. 

A half a century! how long 

Since our first dedication song! 

The fleeting years go swiftly by! 

How many changes in them lie! 

A mighty city's ceaseless din 

Has drowned the river's murmuring; 

And names the Church once held so dear, 

Are carved in marble, cold and clear. 

The world of thought has changed since then ; 

Now mighty questions challenge men. 

The question of eternal right, 

Of man's great need, of wealth's great might, 

Of poverty's long spurned demand, 

Are threatening us on every hand. 

No narrow view, no empty creed. 

Can help us in this hour of need. 

Church of the living God, arise! 
A glorious work before thee lies! 
Heed not disputes of learned men, 
Christ is thine only sovereign! 
No creed or doctrine howe'er broad, 
Can hold the boundless love of God — 
That wondrous love, God felt toward man, 
Ere earth was formed, or time began. 

Fear not, though foes against thee rise! 
Clear speaks a voice through opening skies. 
The law of love and righteousness. 
Shall conquer sin, shall all men bless. 
The cross that stood on Calvary 
Shall lead at last to victory: 
Redemption's song, by angels given. 
Shall ring at last, from earth to heaven. 



Central Congregational Church 113 

Abstract of Address at the Fiftieth Anniversary of Central 
Chtjrch, November J3, 1892 

By Rev. Michael Burnhamt DJ)., Third Pastor 

I am glad to be with you this evening, to say at your Fiftieth 
Anniversary, " God Bless You! " 

For nearly a quarter of that time, my life was so closely identified 
with yours, that I am sure you will let me bring as the first part of 
my message to you, this evening, some personal reminiscences. 

The first time I saw the city of Fall River was on the evening 
of April 23, 1870, when I came down in obedience to your request, 
from Andover Theological Seminary, to preach for you in the old 
Central Church building, the following Sabbath. You had been a few 
months without a pastor, Dr. Thurston, who had served you so long 
and so ably, having been taken from you to the Church above. I shall 
never forget that Sabbath with you, or some of those who subsequently 
became life-long friends, who met me at the church and at the Mount 
Hope House. My interest was then centered in the church in West- 
boro. Although no formal call had been offered, they were expecting 
me to preach another Sabbath, and I was hardly ready for a '' call " 
anywhere. I was not to finish my seminary course until July. I left 
Fall River on Monday morning, April 25, not knowing that I should 
ever come to the goodly town again to preach, and, indeed, with my 
thoughts on other things. During the week I received a telegram 
(or letter, — I have forgotten which), asking me to send the following 
Sabbath, Rev. Joseph Cook, if he could be obtained; if not, to come 
myself. Obedient to instructions, I made my way to the room of 
this, even then, mental as well as moral Hercules, but he was gone, 
no one knew where. I sat down and wrote the chairman of your 
committee, that if I followed their instructions, I should be obliged 
to come myseh. 

With a feeling in my heart that God was somehow leading me, 
I set off from Andover for Fall River with my only two remaining 
sermons fully written, to spend with you another Sabbath. When 
I left the pulpit and the church that Sabbath, I did it with a strange 
mingling of fear and love. The Central Chiu-ch had even then my 
heart. I had never met another just like it, although as a student I 
had preached in many churches for a year or more. Then came a 
real fear, — '^ What if they should call me to be their pastor? " " I 
am not yet fitted for such a work." It was not long before the call 
came, from Church and parish, brief and to the point. 



114 History and Annals of the 

I can hardly tell you about that " first call." I have had many 
questions to decide, but never one like this. To leave the quiet of my 
student life, laborious though it had been, and take up the work laid 
down by such a man as Dr. Thurston, and in this rapidly growing 
city, seemed too great to be borne; he came after ten or more years' 
experience — I had none. I had no sermons. I laid that call before 
God; I told him he had put it into my hand and inclined the hearts of 
this people toward me, and I asked his grace to aid. He led me on 
from point to point in the decision, the substantial beginning of which 
was on the human side in the direction of my teacher in homiletics, 
Prof. Austin Phelps, who knew me and knew the Church. He said, 
" By all means, go." Even then with fear and trembling and — it 
seems to me as I look back upon it after these twenty-two years — 
without that confidence in God and in all the generous sympathy 
and cooperation of this people which then I had not earned, that I 
ought to have had; but I came. 

Repairs in the old church delayed the installation until October 
(1870) . My first sermon as ordained and installed pastor was preached 
Sabbath morning, October 30, from Exodus 33 : 15, " And he said 
unto him, if thy presence go not with me carry us not up hence." In 
that sermon the heart of the young pastor poured itself out. Its 
closing words were these, '' My people, I cannot close without refer- 
ring to something that has been upon many of your minds in this 
house; I am aware that this day, of such moment to me, is for you a 
day of tender memories. You have opened your hearts to receive 
me to-day in the place of one whose connection with you was severed 
only by death. After a long and prosperous day, the sun of his life 
went down among you, and you tenderly guard his sleeping dust. 
Again and again have rung in my ears those words, almost the last 
of his life, which he spoke to one whom he loved as a brother, ' If 
I go, I shall see you from where I am '; I have not forgotten to pray 
that his mantle, who on this Sabbath stands before the Throne, may 
fall on me. One soweth and another reapeth, but the rejoicing is 
together. Brethren! let us labor together for the one Master until 
each in turn lays off the armor and goes up from the Church militant 
to stand side by side with him and join in the song and worship of the 
Church triumphant." 

Let me refer to two or three things connected with that first Sabbath; 
or rather with it as the beginning of my ministry. From its very begin- 
ning not only the doors of my people were open to me with a cordiality 
of welcome and a sympathy I have never seen surpassed, but the 



Central Congregational Church 115 

home of her who had been the companion of yom* former pastor be- 
came with all its close relationship to my work, a most helpful home 
to me; and many an uplift did I get from her who, as his bereaved 
wife, watched over me as an older sister over a younger brother. 
She scattered the way for me with blessings and prayers and helpful- 
ness. I was saved many a mistake, and stimulated to many an effort 
by her far-seeing wisdom. She never criticised; she always comforted 
and helped. 

Another thing that fills me with sacred thoughts to-night is the 
fact of the faces, now held in memory, that looked up into mine that 
first Sabbath, twenty-two years ago. I remember those men and 
women, — some of them my fathers and mothers in years, — men 
and women of God, many of whose caskets, silently and with tears, 
we carried to God's acre yonder, where the shadows flee away only 
in the resurrection from the dead. In the years of my ministry among 
you, I buried well nigh a generation of these older men and women, — 
seven of the original members of this Church in five years. As I go 
back in thought to-night, there is before me a mingled company of those 
present in the body, and of those, " absent from the body and present 
with the Lord,'' that rise before me, a line of march, where to the eye 
of sense so many seem to have fallen, and yet where, to the eye of faith; 
the horizon of the grave in Fall River is blended with the opened 
sepulcher in Palestine where the song of faith and battle in the earthly 
church is blended with the song of victory in the Church triumphant. 
What part, if any, God gave me to do in preparing those who 
have gone to stand with the blood-washed throng, while I attempted 
to say words of comfort to the mourners on earth, I shall never know. 
They have gone where hearts really know each other. They have 
gone where the bustle and friction and tears and partial peace and 
sense of victory in the earthly conflict give way to the repose and 
peace and power of those who fly to do God's will. 

My last sermon as retiring pastor of the Central Church, Fall River, 
was preached April 30, 1882, twelve years and six days from the 
day when I entered the pulpit for the first time. 

The years had changed the church; had changed the location and 
building; the congregation had changed, oh, so much; the church 
membership had changed. If I remember rightly, three hundred and 
forty-five had come into it, and about two hundred had gone from 
it. But the Bible and the gospel had not changed. I preached, 
on that last Sabbath, from Philippians 3 : 16. I said then, in closing 
my pastorate, '' The early pangs of a decision to leave you have been 



116 History and Annals of the 

mitigated by your generous * Godspeed/ and by many personal remem- 
brances, — by the generous action of the Society last Friday eveni Qg 
[the gift of one thousand dollars], for which allow me, friends, one and 
all, to thank you. I am glad to go with the feeling that with warm 
hearts you will occasionally welcome me back to this pulpit, and I 
shall see your faces, as the faces of friends that can never cease to 
have peculiar ties. You will take a deep interest in my welfare, and 
follow me with your prayers, and you and the pastor of your choice 
will be the objects of my special prayer and effort. May God bless 
you." 

These were the opening and closing sermons of the pastorate. Be- 
tween them was much of history. 

We laid, " relaid," the foundations of this church, — literally and 
spiritually on a " Rock" : the one '' rock of foundation," the his- 
toric immovable granite beneath the city, that shall endure until the 
elements again dissolve with fervent heat: the other ''Rock" was 
the historic, spiritual, historic because spiritual, Christ who, as Dr. 
Thurston said in his answer to your call, was He '' who holdeth the 
seven stars in His right hand and walketh in the midst of the seven 
golden candlesticks." The foundation stone was laid for this church 
in July, 1874 ; the first Sabbath service was held in this house in Decem- 
ber, 1875. Between the two dates, burdens were rolled upon us, 
in shrinking incomes and financial disturbances and losses, of which 
we did not dream when we started to build ; so that really the Sabbath 
of farewell to the dear old church, and the Sabbath for the dedication 
of the new, was one of the dark times in your history, and the begin- 
ning of bearing burdens that well nigh crushed us for a whole decade. 
God be praised, even for the burdens. 

I think we learned something in the school of burden-bearing, 
although some of you wished on that Sabbath morning, when we 
took our seats in the new church, that it had never been builded. 
You have since, however, seen new evidences of the goodness of the 
Lord in the land of the living ; nobody can better appreciate the burden 
of those years for a church than a pastor; but a more loyal set of men 
in a church I never knew. We stood together, because we could not 
stand apart, and that was all there was of it — we must stand. I 
love this church! Who shall love if I do not? To twelve years of 
its most eventful history my whole heart and strength were given. 
Dr. Thurston used to say, " I cannot endure the thought of burying 
some of my people." He did not live to bury them; but those who 
grew up with him, or were a little in advance of him, began to knock 



Central Congregational Church 117 

at heaven's door after I came. Many of them said farewell to me, 
and I followed them to the grave ; I received their children and grand 
children into the Church. Who shall know this people if I do not? 
I had almost said, I know them as well as they know themselves. 
I know their power. There have been days when it would seem to an 
onlooker, as if the strong individuality of this Church would tear it in 
sunder. These men have been, and are, accustomed to command. 
But give them their say; let them talk out; let them think strongly 
as they see strongly, until they reached conclusions, and those con- 
clusions I have usually found were weighty and powerful conclusions 
you could trust. 

Why has this Church prospered? Why does it prosper? First, 
its foundations were laid on Christ. Creeds! I am not sure, if you 
made forty of them, you would get a better one than the first. Second, 
it had able men in its first membership. It had a start. Faults! 
Yes; but what church has not? Strong men have often strong faults 
as well as strong virtues. But set the faults of such men as Dr. Durfee, 
Colonel Borden, and Deacons Earl and Kilburn, and later names, in the 
light of heaven yonder, and all you can see is " the Lamb as the light 
thereof." Third, a noble leader in the formation period of the Church. 
Dr. Thurston was a man, a wise man. He had the nobility, the 
moral discernment, the conviction, the sympathy, the great heart, 
the magnetism, the eloquence of a leader. It takes them all to make 
strong churches, — and he had them all. Fourth, this Church has 
always had room to grow. It has moved with the great interests of 
the citj^ Fifth, it has moved with the command, "Go ye into all the 
world." It has loved, I hope it always will love and rest upon, 
the Gospel of the Son of God. So will its future be assured. God 
bless you and bind you to your present pastor with loving bonds! 



Letter of Greeting; 
By Rev* Eldridgc Mix, D*D» 

Worcester, Mass., November 9, 1892. 
To THE Central Congregational Church, 
Fall River, Mass. 
Dearly Beloved, — With all my heart I give you Greeting and 
congratulation in view of the event you are to celebrate the coming 
Sabbath. Fifty Years of church life! How much that signifies! 
It is the planting and nurture into vigorous life and gTOwtli of a little 



118 History and Annals of the 

twig, as it were, of the one living and true Vine, which becomes in 
itself, in a subordinate sense of course, a vine with its own fruit- 
bearing branches in the person of its several members. For so, it 
seems to me, we are at liberty to think of any single church of Christ, 
who said of himself to his fii'st disciples, '' I am the true Vine, and 
my Father is the Husbandman." 

Your growth during this childhood period of your history — for 
what is it but that, when you think of the centuries of existence and 
continuance that belong to a true church of Christ? — is something 
well worthy of your grateful remembrance and review. You have 
indeed taken deep root, not only in Christ Jesus who is your only 
source of life, but in the soil where you were set in the start, the com- 
munity of which you are an integral part. You have risen up out of 
it, in a beauty and grandeur even of externals, that are an abundant 
proof of inward life and vigor. For what is the outward but the 
natural expression of what is within? It was the faith of the fathers 
and mothers who founded the church itself, that fashioned the splen- 
did structure in which you worship. It was their beauty of character 
which gave itself expression in its becoming adorning. It was their 
love for the Lord himself, that lives in this memorial of it, to lead you 
to a like self-devotion. 

Nor less has this inward spiritual life found expression in the work 
they Avrought for others' salvation. Their missionary spirit, prompt- 
ing their organized and self-denying forth-going into the highways 
and byways of the city, to bring in the lost and outcast to sit down 
with them at the gospel feast here spread, has made for itself a noble 
record in the multitude of such persons rescued and redeemed, and 
made heirs with themselves of an eternal inheritance, into which many 
of them have already entered. While doing this work for the Master, 
in behalf of those at their very doors, they did not forget to go forth 
also at his bidding, by their fervent prayers and liberal offerings, into 
all the world, '' to preach the gospel to every creature." 

Nor have you, their descendants, been unmindful of their good 
examples, as I rejoice to bear testimony from personal knowledge as 
your pastor for a season. You have nobly taken up the burdens they 
were compelled by unforeseen circumstances and by their death at 
last to leave upon the Church, and have lifted them off altogether. 
You have entered into their labors also, and have continued their 
evangelistic enterprises with commendable zeal. 

So these Fifty Years furnish abundant reason for the greeting and 
congratulation, which I offer you as a pastor's tribute to your worth 



Central Congregational Church 119 

and worthiness as a church. You yourselves will, I am sure, feel 
called upon to record with grateful offering of praise to God, your 
thanks to him for the treasured past, in which so many memories of 
his goodness are garnered. And from this remembrance of other days, 
you will no doubt gather renewed strength and courage and hope for 
the days to come, and for the work you have yet to do. 

For you of the present generation are to be makers of the future 
of this Church, as they who are gone were makers of that in which you 
so greatly rejoice. If the past has been the childhood period in the 
history of the Church, then you now have to do with it in its youth. 
That, too, is a formative period of immense significance in relation to 
its oncoming future. What has hitherto transpired are but the 
beginnings of its life and growth. The question, therefore, for you 
to solve, is that of forming and fixing these good beginnings into settled 
and permanent habits of church life and activity. May the faith 
and faithfulness of your fathers be the very fiber of your further growth 
and development ! May love like theirs be the very life blood of your 
church life ! May their zeal in the service of the Master be perpetu- 
ated and intensified in you! 

You have a splendid opportunity for carrjdng on to a magnificent 
result the progress of this church now intrusted to your hands. Few 
churches in our land have a finer or fairer field for fruit-bearing service. 
Few are better equipped in externals. Few have greater resources 
at command. You are in the very heart of a great and growing popu- 
lation peculiarly in your reach and touch. You have a fit temple of the 
Lord in which to gather the multitude for his worship. God is giving 
into your hands an abimdance of wealth for use in his service. 

If, therefore, in your joy and gratitude and thanksgi^dng, you 
will but gird yourseK anew with his strength, and govern all your 
action by his holy will, and guide your devising of plans by the finger 
of his providence, and above all seek to be fiUed with his Holy Spirit, 
this dear Church will, in the future, prove itseK worthy of its honored 
past. You will, in your day and generation, conduct it safely through 
its youth to a maturity of power, of stability, and of permanence, 
which shall insure centuries, it may be, of vigorous life, and ever* 
growing fruitfulness. 

Wishing you great joy and gladness in your anniversary service, 
I am, 

Very sincerely yours in the fellowship of Christ, 

Eldridge Mix. 



120 History and Annals of the 

Poem — ** Memories '' 
By Mary L. Whclplcy Towie 

Tho' long an exile from the house which seemed to me God given, 
Tho' from its feasts and sacraments my life has long been riven, 
I now return in memory, responsive to your greeting, 
To worship in your sacred courts, the while our spirits meeting. 

The fervor of those days long gone, when at yom- altar kneeling. 
Comes back with retrospective joy, the old-time love revealing. 
But in your ranks I do not see the old-time faces beaming. 
Else would my heart pour forth its joy, unfettered by this seeming. 

Where are the saintly ones I knew, whose footsteps did not falter? 
With whom I knelt low at His feet, whose love became our altar? 
What of the young and strong, whose lips oft touched as if by fire, 
Became responsive to the hands which moved the sacred lyre? 

Oh! where are they with whom I oft quaffed at the living fountain? 
With whom, transfigured, I have knelt upon the sacred mountain? 
While fain to catch once more the sight of faces which I knew, 
A long procession seems to pass before me in review! 

Sweet spirits, beautiful on earth, more beautiful up there! 
We question not how fair may be the garments which you wear. 
Knowing that in His likeness you beheld the day of dawning. 
And that, when we have overcome, we'll meet you in the morning. 

Napa, California, October 30, 1892. 

Letters from friends and former members were received 
and read in whole or in part : from M. Elizabeth Gardner, a 
former original member, now of Lyons, Iowa; Samuel B. 
Hussey, a member joining March 4, 1843, and now living in 
Meriden, Conn., in the eighty-eighth year of his age; Rev. 
William N. T. Dean, pastor of the church in Oxford, Mass.; 
Rev. Alexander McKenzie, D.D., and others. 



Central Congregational Church 121 

Addtcss of Rev* "William J. Batt at the Semi-Centennial of 
the Central Chutch, November t3, J 902 

Brother Pastors, Brother Chairman, Members of the Committee of 
Arrangements, and Friends, — Although under very great obligation 
for the privilege of attending this happy and sacred Festival, and for 
the honor of participating in it, I am nevertheless embarrassed in 
taking my place on the program. I came here under the impression 
that the addresses of the final ser"sace of the day were to be somewhat 
informal and familiar. 

We have had the finished and elaborate discourse of the morning 
by our pastor, and this afternoon the faithful and touching histori- 
cal paper, so beautifully read, as well as ably prepared, and the ex- 
quisite poem by Miss Holmes, which was sufficient of itself to give 
character to the ser\4ce, and the other reports and papers put together 
with great research and painstaking. And now, with some con- 
sternation, I am persuaded by various signs which have attracted my 
attention since I came into the pulpit, that the same elaborate 
preparation has been made for this evening. But while I have nothing 
written, I am very grateful for at least this, that my heart still treas- 
ures, as it always will, not a few of the rich memories of the earlier 
years in the history of this dear Church. 

A large nimaber of former members of this congregation have been 
unable to come to this Jubilee for various reasons. Although in 
spirit they are here, they are not here in person. And I have thought 
that I could do no better, ha\4ng the pri\dlege which they would gladly 
have embraced if they could, than to bear a few words of testimony 
for certain classes of those who have been much in my mind to-day. 

And first, I would like to speak on behaK of the boys who may be 
said in a general way to have found their start in life in this congrega- 
tion some forty years ago. No doubt the people here now are in 
every way worthy of their predecessors, but I can testify personally 
to the former days, and I wish to say that it was especially characteris- 
tic of the leading people in this Church, at that time, that they took 
particular interest in the boys and the young men of the congregation. 
It would perhaps be somewhat hazardous to call names, for where 
would the catalogue end; but you will permit me to mention, for 
instance, those two men who were always in their places both morn- 
ing and afternoon, and whom everybody knew as our trusted leaders. 
There was Col. Richard Borden, great hearted and benevolent. He 



122 History and Annals of the 

was not a man of gush, it is true, and yet whenever a boy had gone 
to him with an errand that commended itself to him, how his face 
was illumined with light and feeling! What a smile was his! And 
what a great warmth came into his expression at such a time ! 

It was no doubt a little thing for Dr. Durfee to take a boy into his 
sleigh and give him a bit of a ride, possibly the only one he would 
have that winter ; but when he was driving by with his beautiful horse 
and beautiful sleigh and told the group of little fellows on the side- 
walk to get in, it was a piece of heaven to us. How the horse flew! 
And what a joy there would be in our hearts, when by and by, landed 
not too far off to find our way home again, we returned to tell the 
exciting story! This may have been a little thing for him, but the 
kindness of a little thing of a moment may give a boy a stimulus for a 
long season. 

The reception he sometimes made for us at his mansion in the 
summer time; how delightful it was! how magnificent his parlors 
seemed to us! That mansion to this day is for me the type of a 
beautiful palace, with which, after all these years, I involuntarily 
compare every costly house I see. I visited Chicago and Minneapolis 
but a few days since, and was struck by the diversity and modern 
beauty of their architecture. But even in Lincoln Park, looking upon 
the residence of Mr. Potter Palmer, my mind involuntarily said, " It 
is not so pretty as the doctor's; but of course they could not expect 
that.'' A score of elaborate structures now stand upon his grounds, 
but, all together, they cannot replace the old-time beauty of the man- 
sion that was taken down. 

And those grapes he brought in for us, out of his fairy hot-house. 
A grape Now would need to be as large as the moon Looks, in order 
to Seem as large as those seemed to us. And oh, what an exquisite 
color! and they were so luscious that we could only wonder why 
such a flavor could not last longer. 

One day, in the large vestry of the old Central Church, somebody 
told a boy that he had been chosen assistant librarian. Now, that 
may seem to you a very smaU thing. I do not know how our yoimg 
governor [Wm. E. Russell] felt after the very remarkable results of 
the balloting, the other day; but I doubt very much whether he could 
have been more elated than that boy was, when the surprise dawned 
upon him that he had been made assistant librarian in the Central 
Church. And if all the archives of this ancient Commonwealth were 
opened at once, and all the treasures of Massachusetts from Plymouth 
Rock to the present time had been shown to the governor, I doubt if 



Central Congregational Church 123 

he could have been more interested than that boy was, as he took his 
key and opened the hbrary, still with some sense of awe as if he were 
searching things too great for him, and examined the impressive con- 
tents of that little apartment, all of which was hid under the west 
side of the vestry desk. 

These things seem to be very small, I repeat ; but I know that the 
kindness that was behind them, the care of the older people for the 
boys, their chi'istian and most exemplary appreciation of whatever 
they could find in the boys, had something to do with whatever those 
boys were able to accomplish afterwards. And in the name of those 
boys and young men, and as one of the least and humblest of them 
all, I want to return thanks to-day on their behaK to this dear Church. 

Now, Mr. Chairman, please let me allude again to a particular class. 
I refer to the young people who began their rehgious life here in those 
days. For them, also, I would bring in a word of thanksgiving. 
What this Church was, and its dear pastor and working members of 
forty years ago, to those who might be called young christians, — 
certainly they were immature enough, — what this Church was to 
them, I cannot adequately tell. I have brought with me this evening 
this little book, — '' Clarke's Scripture Promises." That book has 
been among my treasures now forty years. Wherever I have been 
and whatever work I have been doing, that little book has been in 
my library or upon my study table under my hand. I turn with deep 
feeling to this fly-leaf, and read here the handwriting of the giver; 
his name is not here ; he did not write it on the leaf ; he did not need 
to; he has written it on our hearts and lives. But he wrote my name 
here and added " From his Sabbath-school teacher, March, 1852.'^ 
As I recollect, the other boys of the class all received one at the same 
time. Dear Mr. Hale Remington died in his prime. He left a strong 
impress upon this city. He was a very busy man. I sometimes won- 
der how such a man as he, had patience to keep at the work of teaching 
a class of boys, year after year. But I know this also, that what he 
did of religious work, as the Lord sees, may have been the most fruit- 
ful part of all his honored life. A gTeat many of us, if we could all 
speak here to-night, would join together in our tributes to this be- 
loved man. 

And now, as I come to say a word about Mr. Thurston, my feelings 
overwhelm me. Mr. Thurston was honored with the Doctorate [of 
Divinity] for many years, but in the early part of his Hfe here, the 
more familiar name for him was Mr. Thurston. Mr. Thurston brought 
religious truth down to the comprehension of boys in a wonderful 



124 History and Annols of the 

way. I was born into the old " Stone Church," and I remember dis- 
tinctly the little infant schoolroom there. The comparative smallness 
of its floor-room made its height seem to us little folks almost oppres- 
sive. I remember the Scripture mottoes on the plainest kind of 
cardboard, hung up far beyond reach on those lofty walls, yellow with 
age. I remember distinctly the indescribable and almost awful man- 
ner of Dr. Fowler, as he used to come into that room to see that 
everything was going right. Everything had to be right in his church, 
for he was a born bishop, if ever there was one. 

Our idea of religion was very crude. I remember, one morning, 
Mr. Robert Remington — was there ever another man just like dear 
Robert K. Remington? Robert, then living in my father's family, 
coming in to breakfast one morning before going to the store, and 
saying within my hearing, that a certain girl belonging in his set, 
of a most honored name, and whom I have seen in this house to-day, 
had the evening before '' confessed her sins." That was the expression 
used at that time, where we might now say '^ risen for prayers," or 
'' gone to the inquiry room." I had not yet risen from bed. But as 
I heard the great news through the partly opened door, I knew the 
substance of its meaning, and immediately felt that I, too, wanted 
to be a christian. So I turned my face toward the darker wall (the 
window of the room looked westward, down upon Deacon David 
Anthony's yard) and tried to confess my sins. I named over all I could 
think of before the Lord. The list was not very long; and yet, the 
shortness of the catalogue was my grief, for I knew that for every 
one I had remembered, there must be a multitude that I had forgotten. 
So I hoped that God would have mercy upon a little boy who could 
not remember how many wrong things he had committed, and gave 
up the effort. But I have thought since, that if I ever chose the path 
to the Promised Land, it was that morning. I was at that time in the 
Episcopal Sabbath school. But when afterwards that church was 
temporarily closed, and I commenced coming to the '' Central," 
although I had the best of homes and the best of parents, I was yet 
in need of instruction. 

How well I remember the evening of Mr. Thurston's installation. 
My father brought me down with him through the storm, after closing 
his store late, and we took seats at the rear end of the church, on the 
west side of the west center aisle. I see Mr. Thurston now, as he stood 
up in some part of the exercise on our side of the pulpit, perhaps to 
receive the charge to the pastor, or for some such part of the service. 
He was always careful of his appearance in the pulpit. He looked finely 
that night. His hair was black, and his eyes were very bright. He 



Central Congregational Church 125 

wore a di'ess coat. I see now the fullness of it at the waist. He stood 
there self-contained, perfectly composed ; and yet, beneath the modesty 
of his quiet demeanor, there was something in his bearing that 
expressed the fact that he knew he was coming to Fall River, and 
to the Central Church, in the power of the Lord God Almighty. 

The preacher in his sermons brought the gospel within the compre- 
hension of boys. I want to say that of him to-night, as a matter of 
personal testimony. In the summer of the year 1849, he preached a 
sermon on the words " There they crucified him.'' If his sermons 
are preserved, that sermon no doubt wiU be found now, with the 
entry upon it, preached in the Central Church at that time, — the 
place of the crucifixion, the crucifiers, the crucifying, the crucified. 
One of the boys was a clerk on South Main Street, a few months that 
summer, and all that week he went around repeating that discoiuse 
to himself. 

What Mr. Thurston was in time of re\'ival (and he believed in 
continuous revivals and in special revivals both), those who remember 
him well know. ^\Tiat wonderful scenes that dear old vestry, with 
its iron pillars and lamps clamped upon them, often witnessed! Mr. 
Thurston did his re^dval work by himself very largely; he sometimes 
preached almost every night in the week, and his preaching, as I 
remember it, was commonly written preaching. I suppose now that 
he must have been very tired. But it never occurred to me then 
that he could be. I never saw anything that looked hke it. How 
tender, and how unspeakably solemn his appeals were! At the close 
of those meetings he would innate any who wished to do so, to retire 
for personal conversation to his study, which opened from the north- 
east corner of the vestry. Sometimes that room was full of persons 
standing all aroimd its circumference, while perhaps a few of the older 
ones might occupy the few seats with which the room was furnished. 
Mr. Thurston went around and kindly spoke a helpful and solemn and 
very gracious word to every one. I think the beautiful and apprecia- 
tive sketch of him, read this afternoon, did not speak particularly of 
what he was in the inquiry room. Possibly those who wrote it did 
not know. They could not have known, unless they had been there. 
But of aU the remarkable things about this man, I think one of the 
most interesting was his aptness, his earnestness, and his power in the 
inquiry room. 

I remember, one evening. Dr. Thayer [Newport, R. I.] came 
up to help ^Ir. Thurston. He went into the inquiry room with us. 
He tried to do a Uttle talking. It seemed to me that he was not at all 
apt. I said to myself, '' He is not so good as Mr. Thurston " ; but pres- 



126 History and Annals of the 

ently I heard him say, that not being acquainted with us, he might 
in some way hinder our pastor's counsel and interfere with the work 
of the Spirit, and therefore he would go no further. This explanation 
was a great relief to me, because I thought all ministers ought to be as 
good as ours, and I was glad to get hold of a reason that I could under- 
stand, why Dr. Thayer hesitated so much. 

His interest in boys and young people was very noticeable. Six 
or eight of us went to him one day and told him we would like to have 
a Saturday afternoon prayer-meeting if we could. He arranged it 
immediately for us to come to his study for that purpose, on that 
day regularly. As our meetings went on, I remember some of us 
asked him what Scripture we could best read, and I can see the manner 
of the man as he replied, so reverently that we were in no danger of 
forgetting, that the whole Bible was good; " The fourteenth, fifteenth 
and sixteenth chapters of John are excellent, and all along there.'' 
These words of his have been over those chapters for me from that 
time to this. 

The singing was a very remarkable feature in all Mr. Thurston's 
administration of the Chm'ch in those days. I have heard you who 
are here now, say very much about this wonderful organ and the equally 
wonderful artist who presides at its keyboard, and whose services, now 
so long continued, have so endeared him to us. And I do not doubt 
that it is all just as you say. But what can you say to such as I, you 
who were not here when I was! You ought to have heard Mr. Fish 
when he sat down at that wonderful organ of white and gold in the 
" old Central," down on the corner of Rock and Bedford streets; what 
voluntaries those were that began the services! what interludes all 
through the day! what a choir that was, when Mr. Fish had his 
singers all around him ! Deacon Earl and Mr. Henry Brackett, whom 
I see here to-night, and Sewall Brackett, and Frank Brackett, and the 
rest of the basses winging off to the east ; and the tenors on the back 
row, west of the keyboard ; and that wonderful row of girls and young 
ladies in the center. Oh! you should have heard them! Perhaps 
Mr. Thurston had given out the Twenty-Third Psalm, for instance, 
in long meter, six lines: 

" The Lord my pasture shall prepare. 
And feed me with a shepherd's care ; 
His presence shall my wants supply. 
And guard me with a watchful eye; 
My noonday walks he shall attend, 
And all my midnight hours defend." 



Central Congregational Church 127 

Down toward the end of each verse there was a duet part, and when 
the great chorus of the chon was silent, and those two voices took 
up the story, you should have been there! Yes, you should have 
been there! Sweet? Sweet is no name for it! I do not wish to make 
any comparisons. It would not be courteous. But if you could only 
have heard it, I will tell you what you would have said. You would 
have said. The Windows! the windows! they have opened! the win- 
dows! the windows of the skies! and the music is coming down. 

Mr. Thurston himself was very fond of his choir. Occasionally 
the boys, who for certain reasons sometimes hung about the choir 
meeting on Saturday evenings, would see his figure at the dark end 
of the audience room, as he, too, came in to enjoy the rehearsal. And 
sometimes on Sunday, he would sit upon the pulpit sofa during the 
singing of the anthem, his little pulpit-table drawn up to him, one 
foot crossed over the other, his earnest face turned toward the south- 
west angle of the house, but his eye glancing at the choir, and his free 
foot swinging; he was too much wrapped up in the service, too much 
impressed with his own great responsibility for it, to relax the ex- 
pression of his countenance. But that movement of the free foot had 
a language of its own, telling of the excitement of the S3rmpathetic 
soul, and saying, " How good that is ! '^ 

But the music of the church service, excellent as it was, probably 
was not all superior in spiritual power, to the music of the evening 
meetings in revival seasons. The leading singers of the social meet- 
ings occupied the two back middle benches of the old vestry. Those 
benches were different from the others, in that they had book-rests 
in front of them. How often I have wished I could sing, not to get 
into the choir, — that would be even too much to hope for, — but just 
enough to get a seat there, where the vestry music started, and from 
which place it was led, although the singing was general all over the 
house. After one of those brief, pointed, practical evening sermons 
of Mr. Thurston's in revival time, when he gave out the invitation to 
any of us who would be willing, to come with him to the study, perhaps 
he called for a hymn, — it might be, for instance, " Child of sin and 
sorrow." The study door had now been opened against the east side 
wall, and the very light of heaven seemed to be shining out of that 
bright doorway, and Deacon Earl, who never did anything except 
deliberately and faithfully, had gotten out his pitch-pipe, and given 
the key to perfection, and the whole roomful were moved to join in 
the melody, and the refrain, so to call it, kept coming in at the end 
of every verse, " Child of sin and sorrow,'' — there was no resisting it. 



128 History and Annals of the 

It was one of the mightiest possible agencies to follow up the preach- 
ing and move the already moved listener off his seat, to the decisive 
step to the inquiry room. I have seen the time when the very dust 
on the floor of that east and west vestry aisle seemed to sparkle with 
supernatural light, as if we walked over diamonds, and the aisle seemed 
really a shining way to the celestial gate itself. When the spirit of 
God was in the preacher and in the sermon and when the spirit of 
God was in the hymn and in the singing, and when the spirit of God 
was also in the hearer, the whole was a perfect illustration of the old 
doctrine of the " irresistible grace." There was no standing against it. 

But I must not pursue these details. We, the boys, the young 
people of that day, forty years ago, praise the Lord for what he did 
for us here in the old Central Church. We are scattered now, far and 
wide, over the land, — and perhaps over the world, — but I speak to 
you in their behalf, to thank you on this Anniversary Night, and this 
dear people, for what the Central Church was to us in those bright, 
though far-off days. 

I met recently one of the boys [Leander P. Lovell], not, indeed, 
one of this particular company, but one of the same lineage in a 
distant city. Forty years, in youth and maturity, he has now been a 
business man in the mighty metropolis. But the blood of Congrega- 
tional deacons is in his veins, and he must be a preacher. As I sat 
with him a moment in his office, I said to him, '^ What did you do last 
Sunday? " I cannot venture to give exactly what he replied, but it 
was like this. " In the morning I heard a capital sermon from our 
good pastor. At noon time, I went out with some other members to 
the sick-room of one of our elders [he is a Presbyterian now], to aid 
in the administration of the Lord's Supper at his dying bed. In the 
afternoon, I went down to my mission. In the evening, I preached 
in my way, for a pastor out somewhere who needed help.'' I looked 
at his face, on which the strong lines had been brought out by the years, 
and upon his iron gray hair, still heavy over his head, until I saw with 
the utmost distinction, the face and form of the boy behind it all. I 
rejoice in spirit, for the noble boys that have gone out into the world 
from the old Congregational lineage of this city. 

And now, I have one more class to speak for, namely, those who 
went out from this congregation into the pulpit ministry of the church. 
I know that other forms of ministry have their place just as well as 
the pulpit ministry, and some of our number of forty years ago have, no 
doubt, done as noble service here in the ministry of the mills, as any 
have done elsewhere. 



Central Congregational Church 129 

Of those who went mto the pulpit from this Church, there are a few 
only. I shall mention but one name, and that is the name of the first 
one of us all, I think, to finish his ministry here in this life and enter 
into a better. He was not always with us. We are under the greatest 
obligation to another church in this city, one of the Methodist churches, 
for bringing up and giving him to us. But as a young man he came 
here. He loved us — he loved Dr. Thurston tenderly. Dr. Thurston 
loved him. His surviving family now reside in a neighboring state, 
rich in the inheritance of his noble life, — Nathaniel Greene Bonney. 
Out of the unseen, it seems to me, he would be glad to reach down to 
us, at this moment, his hand of greeting and of glad benediction. 

Mr. Bonney, it may be interesting for his old friends to know, 
showed his great affection for Mr. Thm-ston, by naming his first-born 
son after his honored pastor, Thurston I. Bonney, now of the School 
for Christian Workers, in Springfield, Mass. 

Now, brothers and friends, one word more. You have rewritten 
your creed and covenant since those days, rewritten it perhaps more 
than once. Very well, rewrite it as often as you wish. We who 
have gone out from you, if we could have remained here, would have 
voted to adopt your new creed and more new creeds yet to come, if 
you desired. I have nothing to say against them, or against the 
changes in them. A live creed is better than a dead one. It is good 
to have a creed written by the living, as well as by the dead. Any 
creed will serve the purpose, which keeps the Lord Jesus Christ in the 
center. But we have one favor to ask of you in this matter, namely, 
that you will never speak of us, who used the old one, as if we were 
benighted and needed pity. In one sense, we could not have ex- 
plained the creed, we, who as boys, were received upon it at yom* 
altar; but in another sense we could. It was just as simple and just 
as plain, as any of your new ones have been or ever will be. We 
knew the meaning of that old creed and covenant perfectly. It meant 
entire consecration to God. It meant utter and deathless loyalty to 
Jesus Christ. It meant the subordination of this world, and of the 
prince of this world, to the heavenly kingdom. It meant that it is 
the mightiest of all mysteries, that a poor lost sinner should be caUed 
of God unto everlasting life. If any of us have failed in our chris- 
tian life, as I feel some of us have, and very sadly, yet we cannot throw 
off anything on to the faults of the old creed. Certainly, I cannot. 

That covenant I committed to memory. It was food to the soul. 
Call it what you have a mind to, iron-bound, cast-steel, heresy-proof, 
dynamite-proof, bomb-proof, — call it what you have a mind to. 



130 History and Annals of the 

the Bible was in it ; the Old Testament and the New Testament Christ 
was in it. Many a time in college [Brown University] I have gone 
to my couch up under the roof of old University Hall, repeating over 
those covenant words which Mr. Thurston had pronounced for me, on 
the first Sunday in January, 1853. How impressive it was to come 
upon those words, — ^' Now, beloved, you have opened your mouth 
unto the Lord, and are sacredly pledged to endure to the end. Wher- 
ever you go, these vows will be upon you. You have unalterably 
committed yourselves, and henceforth, you must be the servants of 
the Lord. May the Lord guide and preserve you till death, and at 
last receive both you and us to that blessed world, where our love and 
joy shall be perfect forever. According as you demean yourselves so 
religion will be honored or disgraced. But, brethren, we are persuaded 
better things of you and things that accompany salvation, although 
we thus speak. May the Lord preserve both you and us until that 
day when our love and joy shall be forever perfect. Amen.'' 

And sometimes, whether I finished the covenant before I got to 
sleep, or whether I got to sleep before I finished the covenant, in the 
happy morning I could not tell. 

Dear friends, make all the creeds and covenants you want to, if 
only you keep Christ in the center of them. The better test of creeds 
is not the men that make the creeds, but the men that the creeds 
make. And one thing I may ask of you on behalf of the Church of 
forty years ago, — never undertake to make any apology for the 
" Old Creed." 

" All they of the olden time salute you; and may the Lord bless 
you!'' 




RICHARD B. BORDEN 
Church Treasurer, A.D. 1867- 



Central Congregational Church 131 



Benevolent Contributions 

At the annual meeting in April, 1904, Mr. Richard B. 
Borden, treasurer, presented the following summary of the 
benevolent contributions of the Church for thirty-seven years, 
— the period of his official service to that date. 

A compilation from the Church records is added (in totals), 
as ascertained from the annual reports of Henry H. Fish, 
treasurer from 1843 to 1867. 

Central Church does not boast of its liberality and charities; 
but these annals would be incomplete without some mention 
of them. It has ever been mindful of its duty in this respect, 
as the appointment of collectors in the very early years of its 
organization sufficiently testify. 

It has been true to the teachings of Dr. Thurston and his 
successors in the pastoral office, who have ever stimulated 
the spirit of giving, even to the point of sacrifice if necessary. 
The streams of missionary interest and support have been 
kept flowing, that the rich harvests, opening on every hand, 
might be gathered into the storehouse of our Lord. 



Report of R» B» Borden 

Church Tfcasufcf, April J, J 904 

The Central Congregational Church has given through its treasurer, 
R. B. Borden, during thirty-seven years from April 1, 1867, to April 1, 
1904, as follows: 

American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions . $33,433.27 

The American Missionary Association 8,506.02 

The Congregational Home Missionary Society .... 17,180.76 

Bible Cause 1,428.75 

Boston Seaman's Friend Society 999.64 

American Congregational Union 1,657.02 

Congregational Education Society 2,433.35 



132 History and Annals of the 

Board of Ministerial Aid and the National Council Minis- 
terial Relief Fund $997.40 

Ladies' Beneficent Society of Central Church .... 720,43 

Children's Home of Fall River 7,682.56 

The Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing Society, 1,171.64 

Fall River Hospital, now Union Hospital in Fall River . . 1,784.57 

New West Commission 54.25 

The Congregational Church Building Society .... 1,334.77 

Rev. Mr. Buck's work 774.99 

Seaside Home in Fall River 328.25 

Sunday-school work in Massachusetts 242.00 

Care of sick of Central Church 334.45 

Sundries to balance 2,292.27 

$83,356.39 

Collections for years 1904-05 2,876.08 



$86,232.47 
The Benevolent Gifts passing through the hands of 
Henry H. Fish, treasurer from 1843 to 1867, 
as given in his annual reports, amount to . . . 41,714.24 



Making a grand total of $127,946.71 

By way of comparison, I note that the average annual gifts 
for the first eleven years, 1867-78, were $3,133.50; and for the last 
eleven years, 1893-1904, were $2,858.62. 

The amount received by the treasurer does not fully or fairly repre- 
sent the gifts of our membership. Many gifts were given direct, 
amoimting to some thousands of dollars. The American Board shared 
largely in such gifts. 

In addition, the ladies of the Church have, together with those of 
the First Church, paid the salary of Miss Seymour, their missionary 
at Harpoot, since 1869; and have frequently sent to her valuable 
boxes and sums of money. In recent years the amount given by our 
ladies has been, on account of salary, one hundred and eighty dollars 
per annum. 

In 1899, it was voted to assume the salary of a missionary to be 
appointed by the American Board, the missionary to be adopted by 
us. Rev. and Mrs. George W. Hinman were assigned to us, they 
having just entered upon their work and to be located in China. They 



Central Congregational Church 133 

represented us tor four years, and our payments toward their 
salaries were from eight hundred to eleven hundred dollars per 
annum. Then the United Society of Christian Endeavor applied to 
them to take the entire charge of their work in China, — they being 
especially fitted for it. It seemed best by the American Board to 
sanction the change, and the result was the severing of a most happy 
association with our Chm'ch. 

In 1878, owing to the financial distress which befell om' city, and 
the debt of the Church being over one hundred thousand dollars with 
interest on it running six thousand to seven thousand dollars annually, 
the Weekly Offering system was adopted, the receipts to apply to 
the caring for the church finances, unless otherwise designated by 
the donor. For eight years, all contributions were made through the 
weekly offerings only, with the single exception of annual collections 
for the Children's Home of Fall River, which have been taken every 
year for twenty-nine years. 

Sunday, February 1, 1880, was spent, from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 
P.M., in continuous service, in an attempt to lift the debt on the Church,, 
which was about one hundred and twelve thousand dollars, and 
against which it held property estimated at thirty-two thousand dollars 
in value, leaving a net of eighty thousand dollars wanted. At 1 1 .30 p.m. 
seventy-six thousand dollars (a few thousand had been pledged by 
friends of the Church) was announced as raised, and the balance it was 
assured would be provided for by absent members. Three years' 
time was given in which to make payments, and interest was to be 
paid on subscriptions after the first year. Few churches were ever 
blessed with such a day. 



Vested Funds, Legacies, Etc* 

The Central Church has been made a recipient of legacies 
to an inconsiderable amount, — perhaps not over ten thousand 
dollars in all. The income from these vested funds is expended 
under the direction of the board of Deacons (by specific vote 
of the Church) and is used for the support of a free bed in the 
" Union Hospital in Fall River," and in the care and relief 
of the sick and destitute in our membershio. 



134 History and Annals of the 

Legacies have been received under the wills of John M. 
Bryans, Laban E. Borden^ John Wilkinson, Mrs. Mary H. 
Sumner, and Mrs. Ellen Ball. 

The Beneficent Society has been remembered by John 
Wilkinson, Mrs. Caroline S. Borden (Philip D.), George W. 
Smith, and Mrs. Ellen Ball. 

The Central Congregational Society was the beneficiary 
under the will of Miss Mary Craig. 

The Sunday school was a beneficiary under the will of Miss 
Sarah R. Stillwell. 

[Note. No part of the income from these legacies has ever 
been used for the payment of the current expenses of the 
Society.] 



Central Congregational Society 

The annual payments of the Central Congregational So- 
ciety for salaries, music, fuel, insurance, sextons, etc., require 
an appropriation of about ten thousand dollars. 

This amount is raised annually by the rental of pews, sup- 
plemented by private gifts and subscriptions, mostly paid 
through the system of weekly offerings. 

All pews are owned by the Society, there having been no 
private ownership since the construction and dedication of 
the New Church edifice (1875). 

There has been no debt on the Society property (except 
such as was provided for), since the year 1883, when the final 
payments were made under the '' Pledges to Pay the Debt," 
secured February 1, 1880. 




Rev. and Mrs. GEORGE W. HINMAN, Missionaries to China 
Miss LOIS W. HALL, Missionary to Indian Territory 
Rev. and Mrs. EDWARD S. COBB, Missionaries to Japan 



Central Congregational Church 135 

Sketches of Foreign Missionaries 



Miss Lois W* Hall 

Missionary to the Indian Territory 

Miss Lois W. Hall was the first missionary representative 
of our church sent out under the auspices of the American 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. She was a 
woman of great strength of character, firm, steadfast and 
faithful in all positions of trust to which she was called. 
She was a teacher in our public schools, — in the old " Green 
Schoolhouse," on Franklin Street; there were no private 
schools in Fall River in those days, now long gone by (1846- 
47). The old town records speak of her as a successful teacher. 

In the first years of our church life, collectors were chosen 
from our members to go from house to house to solicit and 
collect funds for our different benevolences. Miss Hall filled 
this position with the assistance of Miss Ellen Seabury (now 
Mrs. Ball) for the cause of foreign missions. In the early 
part of the year 1851, Miss Hall was given an appointment 
from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions as teacher at Park Hill, Indian Territory, among the 
Choctaw Indians. After much prayer and deliberation, she 
accepted the appointment. 

Miss Hall left Fall River the same year of her appointment. 
The Sabbath evening prior to her departure, she received her 
letter of dismission from our Church, and at the close of that 
service, the members were requested to remain after the bene- 
diction. A season of prayer was held, after which, com- 
mending her to the grace of God, we bade her an affectionate 
farewell. 

While with us, she had a Bible class of young ladies, a few 
of whom are still living. They parted from her with regret, 



136 History and Annals of the 

but the interchange of letters kept aUve their appreciation, 
affection, and sympathy. Some of the letters of Miss Hall 
are preserved to this day. The young ladies each sent their 
daguerreotype to Miss Hall, and in return she sent one of 
her own, which has been reproduced on an accompanying page, 
together with those of our later foreign missionaries. This 
picture was passed around the class, each one keeping it two 
weeks and then passing it on to another of the group. 

Miss Hall remained with the Choctaws a number of years 
in teaching and missionary labors, and then, having already 
passed middle age, she returned to the East to her friends, 
where she spent her declining days in peace and comfort. 



Miss Harriet Seymour 
Missionary to Turkey 

Miss Harriet Seymour was born in Rochester, N. Y., 
January 5, 1831, and resided there until she was sixteen years 
of age, when she removed to Michigan. For nineteen years, 
Michigan was her home, — five years being devoted to teach- 
ing. She did not unite with the church xmtil she was twenty- 
nine years old, having had a long religious experience previous 
to this time. When she first became a christian, she had a 
strong desire to be wholly consecrated to God's service, and 
this desire never left her. She hoped that all her powers, 
with all their might, would be joyfully employed in doing just 
the work God might set before her. 

She applied to the American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions for appointment as a missionary, and having 
been accepted, she sailed for Harpoot, Turkey, early in the 
spring of 1867. She was older than most young missionary 
ladies, when she began the study of a new language; but her 
prayer that God would enlarge her mind, and quicken her 
intellect, seems to have been answered liberally. 



Central Congregational Church 137 

She was associated with Miss Warfield as a teacher in the 
Girls' Seminary at Harpoot, until the death of Miss Warfield, 
February 12, 1873. The pupils numbered between fifty and 
sixty, of whom four were Arabic speaking, and the others were 
Armenian. 

After the death of Miss Warfield, Miss Sejmaour was joined 
by Miss Caroline Emily Bush, who arrived in Harpoot from 
America, in 1870. They had been close friends in church life 
in Rochester, N. Y., and were of one mind in the missionary 
work. 

Miss Seymour greatly enjoyed her work and association 
with Miss Bush. In one of her letters, during their seminary 
life, she writes: '' The longer Miss Bush and myself live and 
work here, the more we are assured that the good Father 
brought us together. We both feel that never had teachers 
better scholars, more imiformly conscientious, loving, obe- 
dient and studious, than are these Armenian women and 
girls." 

In 1883, they relinquished teaching and devoted themselves 
to evangelistic work, touring in the villages about the country, 
after the fashion of the early disciples of Christ, and carrying 
with them everywhere the Gospel of the Kingdom. 

The devout spirit and reliance upon God, developed in Miss 
Seymour by her work in these far-off lands, is manifest by this 
expression of feeling, contained in one of her letters to us: 
'' Sometimes, when I am greatly helped in my work, when 
I am conscious of receiving strength from above, so that my 
duties are easily and joyfully performed, then I rejoice to 
believe that some dear sister among you, who has power with 
God, is pleading for your missionary. How delightful to be 
in the hands of such a Father, who can in one and the same 
moment, hear our prayer for each other, and send an instan- 
taneous blessing down.'' 

After ten years of service. Miss Seymoiu-, in 1877, returned 
to America for a short season of rest. She spent nearly a 



138 History and Annals of the 

year with her friends. We were favored with her presence 
at a special meeting of the Society, and the ladies who met 
her, felt their respect merged into love, and into a warm 
personal interest. A more intimate acquaintance with her, 
speedily confirmed their judgment that she was one among 
a thousand. 

Her health was fully established by the year's rest, and she 
returned again to her field of work, in August, 1878, from 
whence we received from time to time, most encouraging 
accounts of the success of her labors. 

A beautiful personal gift sent to her in later years, was in 
the form of a silk bed-quilt, each square in varied fashion. 
Some were embroidered; some were painted; it was in very 
truth a '^ work of art," and proved to be a great magnet to 
draw the girls to school, since it furnished thirty-one varieties 
of embroidery which they were anxious to learn for the wed- 
ding trousseau, which each girl in the Orient prepares for 
herself. This bed-quilt was stolen by the Turks, but was sub- 
sequently redeemed and sent immediately to America for 
safe keeping. 

After the terrible massacres and the destruction of property 
in Harpoot and vicinity in 1895-96, the Society sent to Miss 
Seymour the sum of four himdred dollars to be used at her 
pleasure among the sufferers. 

In 1895, Miss Seymour was compelled to relinquish touring 
work with Miss Bush, because of its too great severity for 
her health and strength. She then devoted all her energies 
to loving ministry in the Orphanage and relief work in Har- 
poot, which the dreadful massacres had made necessary. 

In 1904, Miss Seymour decided that diminishing strength 
made it expedient for her to return to home life in America; 
she arrived in August of the same year. 

Thus, for upwards of thirty-five years, she maintained a 
conscientious, laborious, and successful work in foreign fields, 
and has now, in the providence of God, returned to spend her 



Central Congregational Church 139 

declining years among friends, and to reap the reward of those 
who with Paul " have fought the good fight and now await 
the crown of righteousness which the Lord shall give to all 
them that have loved his appearing." 



Rcv« and Mrs. George Warren Hinman 
Missionaries to China 

George Warren Hinman. Mr. Hinman was born in 
Baraboo, Sauk County, Wis., February 22, 1869. He is 
the son of Rev. Horace H. Himnan, who, with his wife, was 
a missionary in Sierra Leone, West Africa, 1860-66, and later 
in home missionary work in Wisconsin. Mr. Hinman first 
united with the College Congregational Church, at Wheaton, 
111. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1893, and attended 
the theological seminaries at Oberlin and Harvard, graduating 
from the latter in 1898. He became a student volunteer in 
the fall of 1890. He was at one time for two years in Wash- 
ington, D. C, engaged as a printer, and also two years in 
Chicago at the same trade. He was a professor of mathe- 
matics in the college at Benzonia, Mich., and later acting 
president of Gates College at Neligh, Neb. Before her mar- 
riage his mother did missionary work among the Indians of 
northern Minnesota. 

Mr. Hinman was married to Kate Rumsey Bailey, Decem- 
ber 28, 1893, at Moreland, N. Y. Thej^ were appointed as 
missionaries of the American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions, October, 1898, and sailed for their field 
from San Francisco on December 24 of that same year. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hinman were released from the Board in 1903, that 
Mr. Hinman might engage in Christian Endeavor work at 
Shanghai, China, under the auspices of the United Society 
of Christian Endeavor. 



140 History and Annals of the 

Kate Rumsey Hinman. Mrs. Hinman, whose maiden 
name was Kate R. Bailey, was born in Elmira, N. Y., July 
12, 1871. She was converted at Moreland, N. Y., in 1885, 
during a revival, and united with the Presbyterian church. 
She studied at the academy at Montour Falls, N. Y., and at 
Oberlin College. Mrs. Hinman states that she was led to 
think of foreign missionary work in 1892, '' on account of 
Oberlin associations.'' 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hinman, having volunteered for foreign 
missionary work, were accepted by the American Board and 
assigned to the Shaowu station on the river Min, about two 
hundred miles west from Foochow, China. Their support 
was assumed by Central Church in October, 1898. Prior to 
their departure they visited Fall River, and met our peo- 
ple at a Thursday evening prayer-meeting, where greetings 
were exchanged, acquaintances made, and friendships formed 
which have continued to the present time. On their arrival 
in the foreign field, letters were frequently sent to and fro, 
gifts of books and useful articles for the new home were for- 
warded, and their names placed upon the church '' Messenger," 
as the '' foreign missionaries of Central Church." 

When Mr. Hinman was invited to the oversight of the 
Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor work as general 
secretary at Shanghai, China, — a position he was well adapted 
to fill, — and accepted the same with the approval of the 
American Board and our own Church, the special represen- 
tative relations between us were terminated. But our in- 
terest in Mr. and Mrs. Hinman and their work has been so 
cordial, that we have continued to follow them in their new 
relations to Christ and the Church, as they have labored to 
develop the youth of China in christian fellowship and help- 
fulness. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hinman were re-appointed missionaries of 
the American Board, in February, 1905, and designated to 
the Foochow mission. 



Central Congregational Church 141 

Rev. and Mrs* Edward Scribncr Cobb 
Missionaries to Japan 

Edward Scribner Cobb. Mr. Cobb first made application 
to the American Board for appointment, on October 6, 1903. 
His letter was accompanied by an application from his fiancee, 
Miss Florence Brooks. Mr. Cobb's papers were approved on 
the 26th of January, 1904, and on the 23d of February he 
received appointment to Japan. 

Mr. Cobb was born on August 24, 1878, at Medfield, Mass. 
His parents moved to Uxbridge, Mass., when he was about 
one year of age, where he resided for eight years. They then 
moved to Newton Centre, Mass., where his home has remained 
until the present time (1904). 

Beginning with private school instruction at Uxbridge, Mr. 
Cobb passed through the grammar grades and entered the 
high school at Newton Centre. He entered Amherst College 
in 1896, graduating with the class of 1900. During college 
days at Amherst, his fondness for books found expression in 
the high grade of scholarship, which placed him fifth in his 
class at graduation and brought to him on different occasions 
special mention. He was elected to membership in the Phi 
Beta Kappa Society. 

While in college, Mr. Cobb participated little in athletics, 
his natural bent being in the direction of music and scholar- 
ship. These special gifts found expression constantly during 
his three years' course of study at Union Theological Semi- 
nary, New York City, beginning in the fall of 1900. After 
graduating from the seminary in 1903, Mr. Cobb devoted 
himself to post-graduate study for one year, specializing 
in subjects fitting him peculiarly for foreign missionary 
service. 

In his papers addressed to the officers of the American 
Board, Mr. Cobb says, '' I have always been in the church, 
I became a ' member ' in 1894." This statement suggests the 



142 History and Annals of the 

christian character of the home in which he received his 
training. He says further: ''My father was pastor of the 
church at Uxbridge, and as far back as I can remember, I 
learned from him to know God as a loving Father, and to 
take the life of Christ, as interpreted to me by him and in 
my home, as my standard of conduct. Every Sunday after- 
noon he used to spend with us children, showing us Bible 
pictures and telling Bible stories; or he used to walk with us 
through the fields, where we played a sort of game of naming 
the beautiful things that God had made. Family worship is 
also among my earliest memories, conducted by my father. 
Thus my early religious training was very careful." 

Mr. Cobb joined the church (Congregational) in May, 1894. 
During his senior year at college, he experienced what he has 
called an '' awakening " of his religious nature, brought about 
largely by the influence of the pastor and his wife over a church 
in Amherst in which Mr. Cobb played the organ. It was 
during this year, that he felt called to enter the ministry of 
Christ. This awakening was stimulated greatly by his visit 
to the Northfield Student Summer Conference of 1900. He 
says of this experience: ''I there became convinced of my 
ability to go as a foreign missionary. The problem had al- 
ready been faced, but I had not sufficient evidence. The case 
seemed now perfectly clear, — there was far greater need in 
the foreign field. There was now nothing to prevent my 
going, while many who could not go would take care of the 
work at home. Therefore I ' volunteered.' " 

During his second year at the seminary, Mr. Cobb began 
work in a mission church on the lower East Side. It was in 
connection with this work that he met Miss Florence Brooks, his 
fiancee. Mr. Cobb and Miss Brooks were married September 27, 
1904, and sailed for Japan early in the fall of the same year. 

Flokence Brooks Cobb. Mrs. Cobb, as Miss Florence 
Brooks, was a graduate of Smith College, in the class of 1900. 



Central Congregational Church 143 

After her graduation she engaged in teaching botany and 
nature study in two private schools. During this period, she 
also began to do settlement work on the lower East Side of 
New York City, having clubs at both the ^' College Settle- 
ment " and at the '' Church of the Sea and the Land " (Presby- 
terian). During the third year after graduation, she resided 
at the Church House of the Sea and the Land, and did fresh- 
air work and tenement visiting all simimer. In the fall of 
1901, she took a ten weeks' course in stenography and type- 
writing and then filled a position as secretary to Dr. Smith 
Ely Jelliffe. Her settlement work continued, through the 
conduct of two girls' clubs at the Church of the Sea and the 
Land. During the following summer, she resided at the same 
Church House, as secretary to Rev. John Hopkins Denison, 
then in charge. During the summer of 1903, she imdertook 
special preparation for the mission field, part of the year 
having been devoted to study at Teachers' College, New York, 
and one course of lectures having been taken imder Dr. Hall 
at Union Theological Seminary. 

Mrs. Cobb as Miss Brooks, was a member of the Presby- 
terian church. Her long experience in mission work in New 
York City, combined with her college and musical education, 
fitted her imusually well for foreign missionary service. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cobb are now (1905) fully established in their 
home at Niigata, Japan. Just before sailing for their new 
field of labor, they both became members of Central Church, 
and their names are entered on our '' Church Calendar " as 
" associate workers " in Japan. 



144 History and Annals of the 

Ladies^ Beneficent Society 

A.D. J843-J905 

Organization, January, 1843. Young People's Society, 1845. 
Patriotic Resolutions as to Dress, 1857. Lines by Mrs. Henry H. 
Fish. Annals of the Society, 1857-1862. Work for Home Mis- 
sions [hi United States], 1865. Work for Mission School Children, 
1873-74. New Church Edifice Furnishings, 1875. Annals of Society, 
1878-1902. Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration, December, 1902. 
Annals of Society, 1902-1905. 

This society was formed in January, 1843, in connection 
with the Central Church, for the purpose of assisting any 
children of the Sabbath school who might be in need of cloth- 
ing, and to do any charitable work which might commend 
itself as worthy. The name was originally the Sabbath School 
Beneficent Society. 

There were seventeen charter members, namely, Mrs. 
Amelia Simmons (mother of Mrs. Benjamin Earl), Mrs. 
Susannah Bennett, Mrs. William Coggeshall, Mrs. Ann 
Glazier, Mrs. Nathan Durfee, Miss Betsey Cook, Mrs. 
Fidelia B. Durfee, Mrs. Charles C. Dillingham, Mrs. Seth 
Durfee, Mrs. Prince G. Hayden, Mrs. Joseph Durfee, Mrs. 
Richard Borden, Mrs. Mary Durfee, Mrs. Jesse Eddy, 
Mrs. S. Angier Chace, Mrs. Ruth Durfee, Mrs. William 
Carr. 

Mrs. Carr is now the only surviving charter member of this 
society and of the Church. 

At the time of the formation of the Beneficent Society and 
until the opening of the Mission School, there could have been 
little need among the children of the Sabbath school, and the 
work in those first years was principally the furnishing and 
filling barrels for home missionaries. In addition to this 
work, the ladies raised money by soliciting orders and making 
garments for which they received pay. Shirts were cut and 



Central Congregational Church 145 

made, kerchiefs hemmed, and quite a business done in making 
gentlemen's pants, coats, and vests. 

For the first years the officers of the society were a presi- 
dent, whose duties included those of secretary, treasurer, and 
collector, and three directresses, who were expected to look 
up the objects of charity and report to the president. The 
first annual meeting was held with Mrs. Fidelia B. Durfee, 
January 4, 1844, at which meeting the following officers were 
elected: President, Mrs. Fideha B. Durfee; directresses, 
Mrs. Jesse Eddy, Mrs. Patience Cook, Mrs. Eliza Ann Woods. 

The membership fee was established at one cent a week for 
members, and one dollar a year for gentlemen, who might 
thus become honorary members. This schedule of fees has 
continued the same up to the present time (1905). As soon 
as the vestry of the church building on Bedford Street was 
completed, the ladies held their meetings in the northeast 
room, which was then used as the pastor's study, and which 
Mr. Washburn gave up to the society on these occasions. It 
was a small, dismal room, lighted by one window only, heated 
by a box wood-stove with one cover, and furnished with an 
iron teakettle. The sideboard was a pine cupboard, upon the 
shelves of which stood eighteen plates, eighteen mugs, one 
sugar-bowl, and one cream pitcher, — a plate and mug for 
each member and one for the pastor, who always came to tea. 

The supper, which was prepared and cleared away by one 
family, designated for each meeting, while the others sat and 
sewed, was as simple as possible. Bread and butter, plain 
cake or doughnuts, coffee and tea, made up the repast. 

The society increased rapidly in numbers and interest, and 
soon outgrew the little room in the vestry, and the meetings 
began to be held at the homes of the members. In the even- 
ing, the ladies were joined by the gentlemen, and these social 
gatherings are still remembered as the most delightful of occa- 
sions, for their harmony and good-fellowship in a common 
interest. 



146 History and Annals of the 

The Young: People's Society- 
Early in the fall of 1845, the young people of the Church 
proposed to form a society independent of the mother branch, 
raising their own funds for whatever especial work appealed to 
them. It took the name of the Young People's Society. 

This society was organized at the residence of Mrs. William 
Coggeshall, on Purchase Street. Miss Julia A. Sessions (now 
Mrs. Eli Thurston) was chosen president; Miss Almira Chace, 
vice-president; Miss Elizabeth V. Durfee (Mrs. William Carr), 
secretary and treasurer. This venture was so popular and so 
many desired to join the society, that an age limit had to be 
established for members, sixteen years being the youngest 
allowed. The young gentlemen also became members, and 
faithfully attended the young ladies who attended the meet- 
ings. The gatherings were so delightful and social that no 
refreshments were necessary to call out the members. The 
following record gives some clew to the interest felt by the 
young ladies in their work. 

October 23, 1849. The thirty-third meeting was held at the resi- 
dence of Mr. Morville. A fine moonlight evening. There were twelve 
members present. The young ladies were so well provided for, that 
one of the gentlemen went away alone, his services not being needed 
— a rare occurrence, truly! 

H. E. Coggeshall, Secretary, 

The work of the Young People's Society was mostly fancy- 
work. Black-walnut showcases, with glass doors, were built 
into the sides of the saloons in the ladies' cabin, both on the 
Bay State and on the Empire State, the " Fall River Line " of 
New York boats of that day, where some of the handsomest 
articles were placed for sale, the stewardess acting as sales- 
woman. 

The society pledged itself to raise one hundred and fifty 
dollars annually as long as it should exist, to assist in the 
support of some home missionary, and the Rev. J. J. Hill, 
of Fayette County, Iowa, was the beneficiary of the society 



Central Congregational Church 147 

during the seven years of its separate existence. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hill "\dsited Fall River in 1850, and met the young ladies, who 
were deeply interested in the account they gave of their work 
on the frontier. 

In 1852, after accomplishing much work, the Young People's 
Society was merged into the Beneficent Society, in which the 
young ladies had always retained membership. 

The mother society, the Ladies' Beneficent Society, had 
been steadily increasing in usefulness as time went on. Mis- 
sionary boxes and barrels were sent every year, and no 
trouble was experienced in raising money for the support of 
the work, xmtil in 1857, when there came the great commer- 
cial depression and business panic and the following item 
is of interest in this connection: 

At a meeting of the Ladies' Beneficent Society, holden at the resi- 
dence of Nathan Durfee, Esq., on the evening of the 5th instant, Mrs. 
H. H. Fish in the chair, the following motion was imanimously adopted: 

Moved, That the present embarrassed state of the commercial 
interests of our country are in a great measure attributable to the 
fact that the " American people are so availing to purchase articles of 
foreign manufacture." In view of the foregoing, it was unani- 
mously voted, that hereafter the members of this society appear at 
its meetings dressed in fabrics of American manufacture and they 
most cheerfully recommend to similar benevolent societies, to adopt 
the same. Per order of secretary. 

The following hues were T^Titten in connection with this 
incident by Mrs. Henry H. Fish. 

'Twas a stately mansion begirt with charms. 

And adorned with gems of art, 
Where the bountiful lady and " good mine host " 

Performed the welcoming part. 

An alms-giving, alms-loving company 

Assembled within those walls. 
Where willing hands and ready ear 

Ever heeded humanity's calls. 



148 History and Annals of the 

Yet all were arrayed in costly robes 

Befitting the tasteful place, — 
With expensive silks, and gew-gaws, too, 

And collars of honiton lace. 

A few there were, I would not forget, 

Of more staid and sober degree. 
Who wondered much that this should be called 

A Circle of Industry. 

They thought of the costly and showy array, 

And how better far, they were sure. 
It would be to change it for silver and gold 

To give to God's perishing poor. 

Scarce had this gleam of charity entered their hearts 
Than they quickly found tongue to confess 

That to their simple taste 'twere better to wear 
A bona fide calico dress. 

The gentlemen all, with unanimous voice, 

Accepted this righteous plan : 
And the Lady Bountiful found among her guests 

A truly patriot man [Mr. Hale Remington] 

Who promised to wear a gingham cravat 

And cloth of American make. 
With only such charms, fob-chains, and rings 

As are worn for such charity's sake. 

It was well understood, ere the hour of ten, 
What the standard of dress should be. 

And henceforth we call it, with truer zest, 
A Circle of Industry. 

From this time the society often held their meetings in the 
large vestry, though the practice of meeting frequently at 
private houses was not discontinued until many years later. 

One of the memorable meetings, held in April of 1857, was 
at the home of Col. Richard Borden, when the invitation was 
given from the pulpit, and Miss Fidelia Fiske related, in the 



Central Congregational Church 149 

most entertaining and thrilling manner, her experience as a 
missionary among the Nestorians in the mountains of Persia. 
On that evening there were over three himdred present. There 
were many other occasions of peculiar interest, sometimes 
when generous gifts were presented to the pastor and his wife, 
as in January, 1861, when the ladies met at the home of the 
pastor. Dr. Eli Thurston, and presented Mrs. Thurston with 
a silver service and a set of china. 

In 1862, several meetings were devoted to making clothes 
for the soldiers of the Civil War, who were then in great 
need. 

Some time during the year 1865, a barrel was sent to a 
Mr. Hill in Iowa, who proved to be the same Mr. Hill whom 
the Young People's Society had helped during its separate 
existence. 

This particular barrel cannot be dismissed without special 
notice, as it was a remarkable one in point of value. This 
was during the war, when money was plenty, and the table 
linen, woolen goods, and all the gifts were exceptionally good 
and bountiful, and above all was a lovely china doll with a 
complete wardrobe, beautifully made, and accompanied with 
its own poetical autobiography, all furnished by Mrs. H. H. 
Fish. Many a middle-aged, sober woman of to-day, feels 
again the same thrill of envy as she recalls the reluctance and 
regret with which, as a little girl, she saw that beautiful doll 
packed to go '' out West." At this same time, a check for 
fifty dollars was sent to Mr. Hill, who immediately insured 
his life with it, and then wrote us about it. Later another 
barrel was sent to Mr. Hill, and a very valuable one to Mr. 
Arnold. The latter had a most interesting, highly educated 
wife, a German lady, who wrote to the society for several 
years, letters so unique in their literary charm and in their 
spirit of devotion and enthusiasm, that they have been type- 
written and preserved by her correspondent. A check for 
fifty dollars was also sent to Mr. Arnold. 



150 History and Annals of the 

We were soon asked by Mr. Hill for another fifty dollars, 
as he wished to increase his insurance. The society, thinking 
him rather presuming, voted not to give it. Mr. Hale Reming- 
ton immediately sent him the fifty dollars from his own pocket, 
and before that year was out, word came that Mr. Hill had 
died and that Mrs. Hill, having received one thousand dollars 
insurance money, was able to meet the demands made by his 
long and suffering illness and to pay all his debts. 

Another example of the generosity which our society has 
always experienced from the gentlemen of the church may be 
of interest. At the close of one year, the society's funds had 
become very low, only about six dollars being in the treasury 
to meet a debt of fifty dollars. It was suggested that the 
treasurer, Mrs. William Carr, call upon Dr. Durfee and Colonel 
Borden and ask for a little help. Dr. Durfee said he would 
give as much as Colonel Borden. Colonel Borden without 
hesitation, handing Mrs. Carr some money, said, '' Tell the 
doctor, I have given seventy-five dollars." Another call upon 
Dr. Durfee resulted in a second seventy-five dollars and the 
debt was paid and one hundred dollars added for the new 
year of work. 

In the early days of the society, the labor of making gar- 
ments for the children was much more difficult than it is 
to-day. Sewing machines were unknown. Tailor-made boys' 
clothes and ready-made garments of any description had not 
been dreamed of. Everything was to be stitched by hand, 
and often the small garments were fashioned from larger ones 
which had been worn, and much ripping, pressing, and con- 
triving was necessary. Many hundreds of boys' jackets, 
trousers, and vests, were cut and made by the ladies of the 
society, and this was no light and easy task, but required 
strength, patience, and skill. Mrs. Sarah Marble was one of 
the chief reliances in this most difficult part of the work, and 
through long years, her devoted services were cheerfully and 
untiringly given and gratefully appreciated. 



Central Congregational Church 151 

Although the work was constantly growing, the year 1873 
ushered in a new era, when the demands upon the ladies were 
greatly increased, owing to the labors of our devoted mission- 
ary, Mr. Buck. He gathered the children in from the high- 
ways and the hedges, and the vestry became a veritable 
beehive. All the ladies of the Church felt inspired to help in 
the good work, and the meetings for sewing often numbered 
over eighty. The records show that dmng the season of 1873 
and 1874, nearly twice as many garments were distributed 
as in any previous year, — two hundred and fifty-one gar- 
ments having been made in twenty meetings. Mr. John H. 
Boone kindly volunteered to cut the boys' suits, and this 
very helpful service he continued for many years. All the 
cloth for the same was given year after year by Messrs. 
Thomas F. and James C. Eddy, generous gifts which saved 
the society many dollars. 

The fortnightly suppers, with the evening gathering for 
entertainment and fellowship, were anticipated with pleasure 
by old and young. 

In June, 1874, a very successful Strawberry Festival was 
given by this society, the total profits of which were 
$664.25. 

In November, 1875, a committee of ladies was chosen by 
the society, to confer with the Building Committee of the new 
church in regard to furnishing the parlors. For this purpose 
the ladies had voted to appropriate the " Strawberry Festival 
Fund," after deducting one hundred and ten dollars for the 
furnishing of the new kitchen. The money was drawn Decem- 
ber 15, 1875, and amounted with interest to $734.83. It was 
expended as follows: Memorial tablet in chiu'ch, $323.88; 
chairs and table for pulpit, $45.37; bookcase and extension 
tables, $221.90; marble-top table for parlor, $7.00; balance 
to kitchen fund, $136.69. 

The first meeting in the parlors of the new church was held 
in December, 1875, and was a delightful occasion. There 



152 History and Annals of the 

were present many of the older members of the society, and 
many former co-workers, who had removed to other fields of 
labor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fish, though not able to be present, endeav- 
ored to atone for their absence by sending generous gifts of 
silver, even now in constant use, — silver teaspoons, silver 
forks, silver ice pitcher, and two silver cake baskets. 

The history of the succeeding years is one of ever-increasing 
work. One sewing machine was entirely inadequate, and two 
more were added. The reports of need among the families 
visited by Mr. Buck served to renew our energies. Special 
afternoon meetings were frequently held, and the chief object 
of the society was to clothe the needy children who thronged 
the parlors. 

Four hundred and sixty-six garments were distributed 
among forty-six families in 1878, and for several years the 
number was nearly as large. The ladies in office during these 
most arduous years were Mrs. Thomas J. Borden, as presi- 
dent, Mrs. Charles J. Holmes, vice-president, in 1877-78; 
Mrs. Charles A. Baker, president, Mrs. William Carr, vice- 
president, 1879-80. 

The year 1880 proved an eventful one for this society, as 
Sunday, the first day of February, was set apart by the Church 
as the time for special effort to raise the debt remaining on 
the new church edifice. At the close of the morning service, 
Mrs. Charles A. Baker, the president, requested the ladies of 
the Beneficent Society to meet in the north parlor, to see 
what part, if any, they would take in the work. It was 
unanimously voted to assume one thousand dollars of the 
debt, to be paid in one year. 

The ladies then set to work with energy to redeem this 
pledge. They decided to give a series of entertainments, 
beginning with a turkey supper, to be served in the old Central 
Church, February 10. Although but eight days were allowed 
for preparation, a supper which was pronounced by epicures 



Central Congregational Church 153 

to be '' first class in every respect " was served, and netted 
two hundred dollars. 

Five lectures, given gratuitously by Dr. Alexander McKen- 
zie, of Cambridge; Dr. William M. Taylor, of New York; 
Dr. Joseph T. Duryea, of Boston; Dr. Reuen Thomas, of 
Brookline; and Dr. Joseph Cook, swelled the fund to more 
than five hundred dollars. 

The thud and closing entertainment was a '' Lawn Fete," held 
in Jime, on the grounds now occupied by the Bristol County 
Courthouse, but at that time belonging to the estate of Col. 
Richard Borden. Mrs. Borden not only gave the use of her 
grounds, but most generously opened and illuminated her 
house, thus adding much to the beauty and enjoyment of the 
occasion. 

The management of this one supreme effort was given into 
the hands of Mrs. Alphonso S. Covel and Mrs. James C. Eddy. 
So successful were their plans and so well were they carried 
out by the various committees asked to assist them, that the 
proceeds, eight hundred and thirty-five dollars, added to the 
five hundred dollars already realized, enabled the society to 
redeem its pledge in less than six months. 

'Twere long to tell what booths were there 
Bedecked with flowers and berries rare — 
Berries so luscious, large, and red, 
Were never plucked from strawberry bed; 
What courtly dames, what lasses fair, 
Dispensed the rich and dauity fare; 
How music brought her magic art 
To charm the ear and cheer the heart! 
How " Punch and Judy " lent their aid 
To please each Uttle lad and maid! 
AH these attractions helped to make 
A great success of our Lawn Fete. 

In 1881, a large box was sent to the sufferers by fire in 
Michigan; a communion service formerly used by the Church 
was given, and through the liberality of some of the members, 



154 History and Annals of the 

was resilvered and sent to a church in Michigan, where it 
is, no doubt, doing service to-day. 

For two years, an Indian girl was supported at the Hampton 
School, Virginia, and in 1889, in addition to the usual boxes 
sent to the West, two barrels went to Talladega College, with 
fifty dollars to help a girl there, finish her college course. Since 
that time the society has been constantly interested in south- 
ern education, and every year has sent one or more boxes to 
colored schools and colleges in the South. 

In 1890, a floor was laid by the society in the tea and coffee 
rooms, and a sink and serving table supplied. The next year, 
the carpets being much worn, the ladies solicited the money 
and purchased carpets, window shades, and table covers for 
the parlors. 

The meeting in December, 1902, was a memorable one as the 
day on which the society celebrated the Twenty-Fifth anni- 
versary of Mr. Buck's invaluable services as missionary among 
us, and also the Fiftieth anniversary of its own organization. 

Interesting papers giving the history of the society from its 
formation were read by Mrs. William Carr, Mrs. Thomas J. 
Borden, and Mrs. Charles J. Holmes. 

A legacy of one hundred dollars, received in 1901, from the 
estate of Mrs. Philip D. Borden, long an earnest and active 
member of the society, was expended in buying silver forks, 
knives, and spoons. This relieved members from the neces- 
sity of each taking his own knife and fork to the suppers. 

The following year a very efficient committee from the 
Beneficent Society solicited and raised from the ladies of the 
Church about sixteen hundred dollars for the purchase of new 
carpets for the church auditorium and the parlors. Since 
then the society has furnished the reception hall in the Young 
Men's Christian Association building, at an expense of three 
hundred dollars. 

As a matter of course, the nature of the work and the meth- 
ods used to forward it, have somewhat changed with the 



Central Congregational Church 155 

changing years. The suppers are at present (1905) held every 
month and are prepared by a committee of ladies, each of 
whom gives one dollar in money, and also furnishes two 
loaves of cake and her portion of bread or rolls; the money 
for the relish is taken from the general fund of the society. 
At the suppers, those entertained (from seventy-five to one 
hundred and fifty) contribute a nominal fee. Of all the 
many methods tried, the present way of serving the supper 
has proved most satisfactory. The ladies having served once 
during the winter, are not called upon again that season, 
and the labor and expense is thus more evenly distributed. 

In this connection there should be mentioned with grati- 
tude, the kind and constant services of Mr. John Nowell, 
who for many years has assisted the ladies of the supper 
conmiittee by carving the meats. In addition, when 
barrels or boxes are to be packed, Mr. No well is always on 
hand to do the packing, nailing up the cases, and shipping the 
goods to their destination, — an invaluable service, for which 
the ladies have frequently expressed their heart-felt thanks 
and appreciation. 

Evening entertainments have for many years been provided 
by the young people, three or four being given during a winter. 

The need for assistance among the families of the poor has 
decreased of late years, owing to the greater nimiber of similar 
societies and the better administration of charity. We are 
still clothing the needy children of our own parish, often 
sewing for the Children's Home and sending every year, two 
or more barrels West and South. 

During the sixty-two years of the existence of the society, 
it has raised and disbursed about fourteen thousand six hun- 
dred dollars, while the value of the thousands of garments 
made and given away would amount to much more than this 
sum; so that in all thirty-five thousand dollars would be a 
very conservative estimate of the amoimt of the society's 
benefactions up to the present time (1905). 



156 History and Annals of the 

Central Church Sabbath Schcx)I 
A.a 1843-1905 

The Sabbath school of the Central Church was formally 
organized on September 4, 1845, at a meeting of those who 
were already its teachers, together with others connected 
with it. A committee was appointed, consisting of the pastor, 
Rev. Samuel Washburn, together with Frederic A. Fiske and 
Joseph A. Crane, to present to the Church a plan of organiza- 
tion for the Sabbath school, under the patronage, care, and 
guidance of the Church. 

On the 8th of September, at a regular meeting of the Church, 
this committee reported a plan, which was accepted and 
adopted as the form of organization. The Church pledged its 
deep interest and cordial cooperation in measures for its 
welfare. 

Probably the school had existed from the very beginning 
of the Church; for, in the Fall River Monitor of July 15, 1843, 
appeared the following notice : " The Sabbath school of Central 
Church will be held in the vestry of the Baptist Church at 
nine o'clock to-morrow morning." This was after the " Great 
Fire," when the Baptist (Temple) Church so cordially opened 
its doors to this congregation. 

The first reference to the school in the church record is 
imder the date of November 20, 1843, and reads: 

Brothers Jesse Eddy, Orrin P. Gilbert, and Hale Remington, 
Sisters Almira Borden, Mrs. Wood, and Mrs. Glazier, were chosen a 
committee to procure scholars for the Sabbath-school, and to solicit 
punctual attendance from all its members, and also to devise ways 
and means to promote the interests of the school. 

By the articles of the association, officers were elected semi- 
annually by all connected with the school and over eighteen 
years of age. This practice was continued until July 14, 1856, 
since which time they have been elected annually. 



3 > 




Central Congregational Church 157 

Since January, 1884, when the school passed under the 
direct care of the Church, the superintendent and assistant 
superintendents have been elected by the Church at the annual 
meeting; and also since that time, the superintendent has 
been a member of the Standing Committee of the Church. 

Among the rules of the Church, re-codified in 1884, the 
following statement concerning teachers is made: 

It shall be expected of those who teach, that they shall give credible 
evidence of piety and of a good understanding of the Bible ; of aptness 
to teach; and of a substantial agreement with the statements of doc- 
trine contained in this manual. 

A library was considered, in the early days, as now, a valued 
feature of the school. Frederic A. Fiske, who was superin- 
tendent in 1846, recommended to the Church, at the annual 
meetuig of that year, an increase of the library, and a pay- 
ment of the debt incurred by former purchases of books. It 
was voted that a collection be taken in the congregation to 
meet these expenses. This entry is interesting because it 
also shows the method of furnishing the school with necessary 
funds. At intervals, votes were passed authorizing the tak- 
ing of special collections for the needs of the school. Later 
the school received support from the Central Congregational 
Society, payments varying from one hundred dollars to three 
hundred dollars appearing in the records from 1873 to 1885. 
Since then the school has paid its expenses from its own 
collections. 

It has always contributed to various causes brought before 
it by its officers ; but during the last few years, a more definite 
effort has been made to create among the scholars, an intelli- 
gent interest in the work of missions at home and abroad. 
Among these, the most notable perhaps was the '^ Thanks- 
giving Offering," taken during each November, to supply 
bountiful dinners on New England's festival day to those in 
humble circimistances. From seventy-five to one hundred 



158 History and Annals of the 

dollars was contributed annually for a series of years, and, 
under Rev. Mr. Buck's careful supervision, a large number 
of worthy recipients enjoyed a feast worthy of the day and 
its historic memories. 

From the beginning of the school until 1857, so-called 
" penny collections " were taken up only once a month; and 
for the first ten years averaged less than ten dollars yearly. 
The amount collected during the first fifty years was about 
sixty-seven hundred dollars. Since that time nearly sixty- 
two himdred and fifty dollars have been received, making a 
total in round numbers of $12,950.00, contributed by the 
members of the school. 

The library was replenished occasionally by collections, 
until the school received, in 1889, a legacy of one thousand dol- 
lars for the library, from Miss Sarah R. Stillwell. From this 
fund books have been purchased, as also a fine library case, 
and a large upright piano. By this gift of love, the school 
will be blessed for years to come. 

The custom of presenting to the Church an annual report 
by the superintendent, was begun in 1846. 

In 1853, the superintendent brought before the Church a 
new question book called '^ The Gospel Harmony," by Walter 
King. It was a question book without answers, and had 
been adopted by the school, subject to the sanction of the 
Church. The Church concurred in the action of the school 
and approved the book. This was long the basis of study 
and did much to shape the beliefs of the scholars. 

The records for the years 1854 to 1860 indicate, in general, 
an increase in nmnbers, an unusual interest on the part of the 
scholars, and a readiness on the part of the congregation to 
become teachers. 

Interest extended beyond our own parish to those outside, 
who were without instruction. About 1861, Charles A. Baker 
and Charles II. Dillingham organized a Sabbath school and 
conducted it for several years in the " Old Union Hall,'' 



Central Congregational Church 159 

Stafford Road. Harrison A. Shorey and Edmund B. Dil- 
lingham engaged in similar work, in the schoolhouse on the 
'' Fish Road." At about this time, Joseph A. Bowen took 
charge of the school held in the schoolhouse on the New Boston 
Road. After two or three years of service, he was succeeded 
by Robert K. Remington. In 1874, James C. Eddy and 
Massadore T. Bemiett were active workers in a Sabbath 
school at Globe Village, using a large room over the office of 
the King Philip Mills. 

On December 18, 1871, because the Church assumed the 
responsibility for the Pleasant Street Mission, a new organi- 
zation was formed, called the Central Church Sabbath-school 
Society, whose object was the maintenance of Sabbath schools 
in various parts of the city. The pastor was president, the 
superintendents of the several schools, vice-presidents, g^nd 
the other officers and teachers, members of the society. 

Each school in the society was to elect its own officers and 
regulate its own business affairs. All action was to be subject 
to the approval of the Church. 

Our own home school was a part of this organization. Its 
last recorded report was in April, 1882. 

In 1882, to show their appreciation of the devotion of Dr. 
Burnham, who was about to leave the pastorate of the Church, 
it was proposed to use all of the money contributed by the 
school on April 9, for the purchase of some gift or memorial 
for him. The smn of $86.56 was received, and with this fund 
a committee purchased books to the number of forty-six 
volumes. 

The annual report of 1889 records the formation of a " Cabi- 
net " of fourteen members, including three of the Standing 
Committee of the Church, to have control of the school, sub- 
ject to the officers of the Church. The school was divided into 
departments, with a superintendent at the head of each. At 
this time direct contributions began to be made toward the 
support of the Church and the various boards of the denomi- 



160 History and Annals of the 

nation. The object of this plan was to impress upon the 
scholars a feeling of closer relation with the Church. 

This was a movement resulting in the organization of the 
school on its present basis, on June 7, 1901. The Central 
Congregational Bible school was then graded and divided into 
eight departments, — Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, 
Adult, Normal, Home, and Chinese, each in charge of a super- 
visor, the whole governed by an executive committee and 
board of managers. 

In addition to the study of the International Lessons, which 
were first adopted in January, 1874, graded supplemental 
work was introduced into the Primary and Junior depart- 
ments, and to some extent into the Intermediate and Senior 
departments. A certain amount of proficiency in the work 
is required for promotion, based on tests, — oral in the Pri- 
mary Department and written in the higher grades. 

A fitting close to the year's work is Promotion Day, when the 
pupils are graduated with public exercises to upper grades. The 
Primary Department, consisting of children from three to nine 
years of age, has been a valued part of the school from the very 
first, and has always been sustained with unflagging interest. 

The name of Mrs. Amy W. Braman is associated with its 
early days as superintendent, with Mrs. S. Angier Chace as 
assistant. Especially worthy of note is the long term of serv- 
ice of the present superintendent, Miss Abby B. Wrighting- 
ton, who, in 1857, became an assistant of Mrs. Braman, and 
has served for forty-eight years, constituting an unbroken 
service of remarkable length and value. 

Recently a department of the Bible school, even younger 
than the Primary, has been added, namely, the Cradle Roll, 
composed of children less than three years of age. The first 
member was received May 20, 1903. Forty-five names have 
been on the roll, and at present the number is thirty-seven. 
By means of this class, the little ones, from their earliest 
consciousness, become identified with the Church. 



Central Congregational Church 161 

The Junior Department contains scholars from nine to 
thirteen years of age; the Intermediate, from thirteen to sev- 
enteen years; the Senior, from seventeen to twenty-one years; 
the Adult, all those over twenty-one years of age. 

The Normal Department consists of those who wish to fit 
themselves to teach. This feature of the work, new to our 
school, is especially important, as it strengthens the teaching 
force. 

The Home Department, consisting of those who cannot 
attend the sessions of the school, but study the lessons one- 
half hour weekly, began with twenty-eight members, which 
number has increased to forty-one in 1905. 

Among the Sabbath schools of the city, ours alone has the 
privilege of working among the Chinese. A most eager com- 
pany of men are to be seen each Sabbath, not only learning 
the appointed lessons, but receiving lasting impressions of 
christian living. This class was formed in October, 1883, 
with seven pupils. The largest number attending at any one 
time has been twenty-nine. 

Armenians and Syrians have received especial attention, 
a class being formed in 1890, with six members, some of whom 
were converts of our missionaries in Harpoot, Turkey. The 
total membership of the class was forty-five, twenty-eight 
being the largest attendance at any one time. At the close 
of the Sabbath-school hour, a prayer-meeting was held, which 
was led by members of the class. Rev. M. H. Hitchcock, a 
former missionary to Turkey, came to the city regularly to 
preach to the men in their native tongue. After twelve years 
of work, full of interest, the class lost in mmabers through 
removals from the city, until, in June, 1902, the departure of 
the last members of the class closed this department of work. 

One of the most important of recent events has been the 
union of the Mission school with the Home school, which took 
place November 8, 1903. This imified the Sabbath-school 
work, strengthened the teaching force, and promoted the 



162 History and Annals of the 

general welfare. This union required an enlargement of the 
scope and purpose of the '' Central Church Bible School/' as 
indicated in its constitution and by-laws adopted in a.d. 1899. 
A revised constitution and by-laws was, therefore, adopted 
November 6, 1903 (see Supplement), embracing the most ad- 
vanced principles of organization and teaching, as expounded 
by Sunday-school leaders and institutes. Under this system 
the school is working compactly and effectively in all its 
departments. 

Early records of the number of pupils enrolled are entirely 
lacking. Perhaps there were from one hundred to one hun- 
dred and fifty members. The school grew larger until, in 
1867, we find in the first recorded report of the total enroll- 
ment, the number 414. The largest record was 726 in 1880. 
Since then the school has been smaller, the present member- 
ship of the united school being 416. 

The first record of the hour of service is in 1851, when the 
time was changed from 1.30 p.m. to 9 a.m. Later it was at 
1.30 again. In 1880, the hour was changed to 2.30 p.m., at 
which hour it was continued until October 12, 1890, when the 
time of meeting was changed to the close of the morning 
church service. 

In 1880, it was voted to omit the sessions of the school 
during July and August, and such has been the custom ever 
since. 

In early days the school met in the vestries of the Old 
Church, but later, in 1880, moved to the audience room on the 
main floor. It continued to meet here even after the New 
Church was in use, until October 30, 1881, when the front land 
on Bedford Street having been sold, it was necessary to re- 
move the old church edifice from its original foundations to 
the rear of the lot and face the building upon Rock Street. 

The Infant Department then met in the south parlor of 
the New Church and the main school in the auditorium, with 
classes scattered through the pews and galleries. The change 



Central Congregational Church 163 

was only temporary. In September, 1882, the school returned 
to the audience room of the Old Church, whose pews had 
been removed. Chairs were used for seating the scholars in 
groups around their teachers. 

A section of the old vestry was fitted up for the Infant 
Department, and the Bible class met in the '' organ loft," 
from which the organ had been removed. Here all continued 
meeting until the sale of the Old Church in the spring of 
1886. The main school then came once more to the parlors 
and auditorium of the New Church. At a later date the 
Primary Department also was transferred. 

In 1891, the new chapel was completed, and it has ever 
since furnished a most attractive home for the school. The 
number of pupils in recent years has been so large that the 
various available rooms of the church also are in constant use. 
The natural beauty of this well-lighted chapel is enhanced 
by the wealth of plants, furnished by Mr. Clinton V. S. Reming- 
ton. Fine pictures, illustrative of the life of our Lord, adorn 
the walls. These features must inevitably have an uplifting 
influence on the lives of the scholars. 

The class work of the school was rendered more successful 
in April, 1899, when heavy curtains, sliding on rods, were 
hung in the galleries. These curtains divide the space into 
small classrooms, but can be drawn aside for the general 
exercises. Later similar curtains were hung in the spaces 
beneath the galleries. 

A much-appreciated addition to our equipment was the 
gift of one hundred copies of the new ^'American Standard 
Edition of the Bible," presented by Deacon Henry H. Earl 
in 1903. 

A word about the social side of the school life may be of 
interest. The historian of the school (C. V. S. Remington), 
at the Semi-Centennial of the Church says : 

There was this item in the records of July, 1850: " It was voted that 
the school observe Saturday, as a day of innocent amusement and 



164 History and Annals of the 

recreation, and for that purpose to go to Bristol Ferry in the morning 
by steamer Canonicus and return in the afternoon by steamer Brad- 
ford Durfee.'' All of which doubtless was done, but the records 
are silent in regard to the results. In succeeding years your historian 
remembers several excursions of this kind, but the records do not 
mention them ; and, so far as I remember, there have been few in the 
history of the school. 

Christmas-trees for the children have not been customary. 
An innovation was made, however, in 1904, when an immense 
tree was erected on the floor of the Chapel, and the children 
were invited to bring presents to hang upon it, to be distribu- 
ted later among needy families. It was an object lesson 
of the truth, ''It is more blessed to give than to receive." 
The children of the Primary Department also trimmed a 
small tree, which was sent to the City Hospital. 

During the years 1903 and 1904 two socials were held, one 
for the Junior Department and one for the Intermediate, 
Senior, and Normal Departments. 

Sabbath-school concerts have for many years been success- 
fully carried on, largely in later years through the efforts of 
the Primary Department. 

For a number of years, the younger children and their 
households have been made happy at the close of the Easter 
concert exercises, by the distribution among the little ones 
of flowers and potted plants. The children have also been 
encouraged to bring flowering plants to Sabbath school on 
Easter Sunday, to be sent to the sick and " shut-in " of the 
parish. 

Teachers' meetings for the study of the lesson were occa- 
sionally held for brief seasons, alluded to in the records for 
1874 and 1880, but the practice was not very persistent. 
Since 1902, however, regular monthly meetings have been 
held in the south parlor, which have proved helpful. They 
offer opportunity for full discussion of the needs of the school, 
for prayer, and occasionally for the teaching of the lesson. 



Central Congregational Church 165 

The school has been blessed with a long line of able and 
devoted superintendents, a list of whose names is given in 
the Supplement. The most notable, probably, among them 
all, one whose name can be mentioned without exciting the 
least envy, was Robert K. Remington, that ardent worker 
in righteousness, whose love, life, and enthusiasm has been an 
inspiration to multitudes of young lives. Confined at first 
to Sabbath schools in his own town, his efforts later broad- 
ened to state work through the State Association, and still 
later, to Young Men's Christian Association work in our own 
and neighboring states. 

Simday-school concerts were given in the auditorium of 
the Church, enlisting the cooperation of all the classes, as 
well as the Primary Department, and securing and interest- 
ing large audiences. Picnics were occasionally given in the 
summer. New lesson books were introduced; and brighter, 
livelier music was provided and simg, imder the direction of 
Mr. Lyman W. Deane as organist and Messrs. Charles Dm'fee 
and Newton R. Earl, the assistant superintendents. 

Many men and women of the Church have, as teachers, 
impressed themselves deeply upon the young life of the 
community. 

The name of Mrs. Jesse Eddy should have especial mention, 
as one who, in the early years of the church life, served long 
as assistant superintendent. 

On October 30, 1898, a " Testimonial " to the present (1905) 
superintendent was given by vote of the Church, when he 
resigned his position, to which he was later reelected. 

It is as follows: 

To Clinton V. S. REmNGTON: 

Our dear Brother, — Not many now among us recall the begin- 
ning of your life work in our Sunday school, but many are they who 
cherish the assurance that the close of your loving activities here is 
still in the unknown futm-e. As you now resign the superintendency 
of our home school into the hands of one whom you have desired to 



166 History and Annals of the 

receive it, we ask you, on behalf of the Church, to accept this testimo- 
nial as a tribute of love, and a token of appreciation of the service so 
faithfully performed. Your devotion has been as manifest and as 
imfailing as the presence of your flowers in the rooms of our church 
and chapel. The flowers must fade, but the memory of your devotion 
here cannot fade while we, who have worked at your side, shall live; 
and when our lives together in this church are ended, we believe your 
" work of faith and labor of love " shall be told as a memorial of you 
and " be had in remembrance in the sight of God." We bestow this 
tribute, as upon one midway in a course well run, believing that you 
are of those who shall receive, when at last the course is finished, not 
the chaplet of fading leaves, but " the crown of glory that fadeth 
not away." 

There have been seasons when the interest of the congre- 
gation in the Sabbath school has flagged, and it has been diffi- 
cult to secure enough teachers; but always the work has 
revived and the workers have rallied to its support. At pres- 
ent (1905) the school is fully organized, well-equipped, and 
supplied with a full corps of officers and teachers. It de- 
serves now, as ever, the name of " The Nursery of the Church. '^ 



Central Congregational Church 167 

The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor 



The Pastoral Aid Society, A*D. t883 - 1887 

The first Christian Endeavor society had been formed in 
Portland, Me., by Rev. Francis E. Clark, in February, 1881. An 
article by Dr. Clark, entitled, ^^ How One Church Cares for Its 
Young People," printed in The Congregationalist in August, 
1881, was read by many pastors, anxious to find some method 
better than they had known before, of reaching and training 
their young people for christian service ; but the movement 
which has since become world-wide had but just got fairly 
under way, so that when our Pastoral Aid Society was or- 
ganized, less than sixty Endeavor societies were on record. 

On a Sunday in February, 1883, the young people of our 
parish were invited to meet in the south parlor at the close 
of the session of the Sunday school, to consider the subject 
of forming a society to aid the pastor in his work with and for 
young people. The need and the design of the society was 
explained by Dr. Mix. A constitution was presented and 
adopted at this or at a subsequent meeting. The question 
as to why such an organization was needed was answered in 
this document as follows: 

The need of some agency to deepen the early, serious impressions 
of children and youth, and to cultivate a positive and strong chris- 
tian character in the younger membership of our churches, has led to 
the formation of " The Pastoral Aid Society " or the Society of Chris- 
tian Endeavor. 

Two classes of members were provided for, and four 
committees. The membership of the society when fully 
organized was one hundred and eight, sixty active and forty- 
eight associate members, of whom sixty-two were mem- 
bers of the Church. 



168 History and Annals of the 

The first officers of the society were Alphonso S. Covel; 
president; Rufus W.Basse tt, vice-president; George S. Brig- 
ham, secretary and treasurer; and the first ^^ heads of com- 
mittees " were Henry H. Earl of the Lookout; Charles E. 
Fisher of the Devotional, and James F. Jackson of the Social 
Committee. The officers and the heads of committees formed 
the Executive Committee. A year later the officers chosen 
were: Hemy H. Earl, president; James A. Kinghorn, vice- 
president; and Hervey Burnham, secretary and treasurer; 
while the membership of committees was as follows: Look- 
out, Geo. S. Brigham, Charles E. Fisher, Anna C. Holmes, Ella 
Sheen, Annie C. Bush, and N. Evelyn Buck. Devotional, 
Albert J. Martin, Alphonso S. Covel, Earl F. Pearce, Mary L. 
Holmes, Sarah A. Emerson, and Bessie A. Armstrong. Social, 
Anna H. Borden, Annie E. Sheen, Isabel J. Eraser, Rufus 
W. Bassett and Nathan Durfee. 

The time appointed for the weekly devotional meeting was 
Tuesday evening, at 7.30 o'clock. That the society fully 
met the expectations of the pastor is shown in the following 
extracts from his annual reports to the Church. In that of 
April, 1883, he said : 

It is with pleasure we note the organization of a Young People's 
Pastoral Aid Society. It has had a promising beginning, and bids 
fair to be very serviceable in developing and training the young people 
of our Church for activity and usefulness in the future. 

A year later he reported '^ a manifest deepening of interest 
in religious things on the part of the younger members of the 
Church." In April, 1885, he said: 

The Pastoral Aid Society has indeed been what its name implies 
in many ways. In bringing the young people of our congregation 
into closer acquaintance with each other, concentrating their interests 
and affection around the Church, making those who are strangers among 
us feel at home with us, and most of all in training themselves for 
future service in the Church, they have accomplished much. 



Central Congregational Church 169 

The social gatherings of the society, to which all of the young 
people of the congregation (especially any strangers) were 
usually publicly invited, are still remembered with pleasure, 
and were of value in attracting young people to our church 
and in promoting the mutual acquaintance of those attending. 
The occasional entertainments to which an admission fee 
was charged, and at which articles were on sale, were always 
liberally patronized, and provided a goodly sum of money for 
benevolent and missionary objects. The weekly devotional 
meeting was well sustained, and exerted a continual influence 
for good upon all who entered into the spirit of the gathering 
for prayer and testimony. 

The society sent delegates to the annual conventions of the 
Christian Endeavor societies: being represented at the Old 
Orchard Beach convention by Mr. Henry H. Earl, and at 
Saratoga by Miss Elizabeth M. Johnston. As reports of these 
conventions and subsequent state conventions were brought 
back by the delegates, a feeling that their society, so similar 
in its aims and methods to the Endeavor society, should be- 
come more closely affiliated by adopting the name and the 
characteristic prayer-meeting pledge of that organization, 
grew upon some of the members of the Pastoral Aid Society, 
and at the annual meeting of the society in October, 1887, the 
matter ha^dng been brought to the attention of the meeting 
by the report of a delegate strongly recommending such action, 
it was voted, after a friendly discussion, to change the name 
of the society to the '' Young People's Society of Christian 
Endeavor''; to prepare a new constitution, and to make a 
fresh start, by having as members of the new society those 
willing to sign the new constitution as a pledge of their willing- 
ness to live up to its requirements. A good-sized committee, 
representing, as far as possible, the various opinions expressed 
in the meeting, was appointed to act with the pastor, in pre- 
paring a constitution and by-laws. The meetings of this 
committee at the home of one of the members of the societv, 



170 History and Annals of the 

the careful and earnest consideration of each article and sec- 
tion of the constitution, with the entirely harmonious agree- 
ment finally reached, meant much for the vigorous life of the 
future society. In the constitution, which was adopted by 
the society without change, the prayer-meeting pledge of 
regular attendance and participation was made stronger, 
provision was made for a new class of members — the '' Hon- 
orary " — and for additional committees. 



Youn§f People's Society of Chfistian Endeavor 
A^D* J887-J905 

The new society began its career with thirty-eight active 
and sixteen associate members. The first officers of the 
society were Alanson J. Abbe, president; James W. Brigham, 
vice-president: Charles H. Wells, secretary and treasurer. 
The chairmen of committees were: Earl F. Pearce, Lookout; 
N. Evelyn Buck, Devotional; Elizabeth M. Johnston, Social; 
Helen A. E. Pearce, Calling, and Anna H. Borden, Flower. 

The society soon changed the time of holding the weekly 
devotional meeting from Tuesday to Sunday evening. The rea- 
son for the change was the hope of securing a larger attendance, 
particularly of those not professing to be christians. These 
hopes were fully realized. In the annual report of the presi- 
dent of the society, presented to the Church in April, 1888, it 
was stated that the total membership had increased from 
fifty-four to eighty-eight, and the average attendance at the 
prayer-meeting from thirty-nine to ninety-five. A little later, 
and for several years continuously, the average attendance 
on pleasant Sunday evenings was not far from one hun- 
dred and twenty, and on stormy evenings about half this 
number. 

By this time, Christian Endeavor societies were being formed 
very rapidly in all directions. The letters of inquiry and 



Central Congregational Church 171 

requests for information sent to Dr. Clark became so numer- 
ous that he could not properly attend to them. In his own 
Avords: '^ There was no organization to print or circulate 
literature. In fact, there was no treasury at all, except the 
private purses of one or two people, who were frequently called 
to dip into them to pay for the postage stamps and the letter 
paper required in answering the very numerous requests for 
information which began to be received." Out of this need 
grew the '' United Society of Christian Endeavor," formed 
at one of the annual conventions, solely for the purpose of 
disseminating information. For a while the necessary ex- 
penses were met by voluntary contributions made at the an- 
nual conventions; but these becoming exhausted and the need 
continuing, it was reluctantly decided to send an appeal to 
the individual societies, asking that on the forthcoming anni- 
versary of the formation of the first Endeavor society, an 
offering be made to relieve the pressing necessities of the work. 
As the result of a very successful entertainment, our society 
responded to this appeal by sending eighty dollars, and thus 
had a large share in making it possible to continue the spread 
of the Christian Endeavor idea to all parts of the world. 

At the conclusion of a successful series of organ recitals, 
arranged by organist Lyman W. Deane and Henry H. Earl, 
imder the auspices of the Endeavor Society, it was voted, 
'^ that one hmidred and fifty dollars of the funds of the society 
be deposited in the Five Cents Savings Bank to the credit 
of ' The Chapel Fund,' and the bank book handed to the treas- 
urer of the Central Congregational Society." Thus was made 
the first contribution toward the erection of our church Chapel, 
and it was made at a time when no definite steps had been 
taken in raising money for that purpose. 

Following the organization of the United Society of Chris- 
tian Endeavor, and the growth of societies in other denomi- 
nations than our own, came the idea of joining the individual 
societies of a community into local unions of Christian En- 



172 History and Annals of the 

deavor. As the oldest society in Fall River, our society sent 
an invitation to the other societies of the city, asking them 
to send representatives to a meeting in our church parlor, to 
consider the advisability of forming such a union here. The 
union was formed, and has existed to the present time, — the 
^' Fall River Local Union," growing from a membership at 
its organization of three societies to one of more than twenty 
in 1905. As the senior society, Central Church has always 
headed the list of societies, and has frequently provided the 
officers for the local body. 

A review of the work accomplished by the Pastoral Aid 
Society and its successor, the Society of Christian Endeavor, 
would be very incomplete without a reference to one feature 
of their work which has been barely mentioned in this article 
as yet, namely, the work of the various committees. While 
the weekly prayer-meeting is the central feature, another 
object of the society is the training of its members for christian 
service along other lines of effort. Its ideal is to give every 
member something to do; to find appropriate work for the 
rank and file as well as for a few leaders. The constitution 
of the Pastoral Aid Society provided for the appointment of 
three committees besides the Executive. With the growth 
in membership of the Endeavor Society, other desirable 
lines of work became apparent, and other committees were 
formed to meet the need. When there was no longer definite 
work for a committee it was discontinued. Each committee 
reported in writing at the monthly business meeting, con- 
cerning the work of the previous month. The work on the 
committees gives opportunity for the most practical christian 
service. That this is so a resume of the duties of the several 
committees will prove. 

The Lookout Committee proposed new members after care- 
fully acquainting them with the requirements of the active 
or the associate member's pledge, as the case might be, 
and exercised a kindly watch and care over all the members, 



Central Congregational Church 173 

endeavoring, especially, to secure a faithful attendance upon 
the meetings and a prompt performance of all duties. In the 
work of this committee, the chairman, in particular, who was 
usually one of the older members of the society, found many 
opportunities for the most earnest personal work. A tactful 
approach at a favorable time, would often result in an associate 
member's decision to become an active member, which always 
involved, first, the open and pubUc confession of faith mani- 
fested by uniting with the Church. 

The Devotional Committee had charge of the prayer-meet- 
ing, saw that a topic was assigned and a leader appointed. 
The members of the committee were always willing to assist 
an inexperienced leader in planning a meeting, and were ready 
to take part promptly, after the leader had opened the meet- 
ing. They also suggested ways of taking part in the meeting 
to the timid or careless members. A large share of the work 
of these two committees did not appear on the surface, but 
much patient, prayerful effort is represented in the service 
thus rendered to the society and the Church. 

The work of the Social Committee was mostly performed in 
a more public manner. But the planning and conducting 
of sociables and entertainments was not the whole of its 
duties. The clause in the constitution, '' to increase their 
mutual acquaintance," was made the particular aim of this 
committee, and the young person who came to a social gather- 
ing as a stranger, became their especial care. Sometimes 
the social gathering was an outdoor affair, as when a picnic 
was arranged, one Fourth of July, at Stone Bridge; and again 
when another Independence Day was happily spent at Plym- 
outh, Mass., after an evening devoted to examining photo- 
graphs of the points of interest there, and listening to brief 
descriptions of incidents in the lives of the forefathers. 

The work of the Calling Committee is apparent from its 
name. Calls were made, not necessarily by members of the 
committee, but at their suggestion, on young people who were 



174 History and Annals of the 

sick, or on strangers, or on those who had but a sHght acquaint- 
ance in the society. For a time a Welcoming Committee 
was annually appointed to speak to strangers at the young 
people's meeting, or at the church service. Later this was 
merged with the Calling Committee. 

The Flower Committee, when appointed, looked after the 
decoration of the church at Easter and Christmas, and, in 
connection with Mr. C. V. S. Remington and the Calling 
Committee, attended to the distribution of flowers from the 
pulpit, after the evening service, to the sick of the Church and 
congregation. 

The Missionary Committee, not at first among the list of 
committees, but since a permanent fixture, arranged the pro- 
gram for occasional missionary meetings, and also attended 
to the receiving and distributing of money contributed for 
missionary objects. As much as one hundred and twenty 
dollars was annually appropriated for several years in this 
way, the Missionary Committee, after correspondence with 
the Missionary Boards of our denomination, recommending, 
and the society voting, the amounts. Almost continually 
from the time of the Pastoral Aid Society to the present, the 
societies have annually assumed the support of a colored 
student at some school or college in the South. The American 
Board has also received a large proportion of their gifts, and 
the other denominational societies have been assisted. Local 
charities have not been forgotten. The contributions to the 
Chapel Fund and to the United Society of Christian Endeavor 
have already been noted. 

The Sunday-school Committee was appointed to cooperate 
with the superintendent of the school in ways which he might 
suggest, also to invite members of the school to become mem- 
bers of the society and vice versa. At times this committee 
supplied teachers each Sunday for classes without a teacher. 

When there was special need, a Music Committee has been 
appointed to serve for a time. The hearty, spirited singing 



Central Congregational Church 175 

has always been a pleasing feature of the young people's 
meeting. The special need of a Music Committee has arisen 
with a change of hymn books, when the selection of the book 
has been imder consideration, and when the books having 
been received, an opening praise service has been instituted 
in order that the new hymns might be learned. 

Last on the list of committees, but by no means least in 
value of service rendered, was the Temperance Committee. 
An occasional temperance meeting at the regular Sunday even- 
ing service was arranged and conducted by this committee; 
but its chief work was done at the Mission Chapel under the 
direction of Rev. E. A. Buck. For several years a regular 
Saturday-evening temperance meeting, with some form of 
entertainment, refreshments and a temperance address by 
Mr. Buck, or some one else, was conducted, with good attend- 
ance and interest. 

To give, in one sentence, the results of the twenty-two 
years' existence of the Pastoral Aid and Endeavor societies, 
it can with truth be said, that they have to a good degree 
accomplished the objects sought by the organizer of the first- 
named society, viz., " They have aided in promoting the 
spiritual life of their members, in facilitating their mutual 
acquaintance, and in preparing them for usefulness in Christ's 



The Junior Society of Christian Endeavor 

A Junior Society of Christian Endeavor was organized 
in 1895, with Miss Carrie L. Borden and Miss Elizabeth M. 
Johnston as superintendents. There was a large number of 
boys and girls, members of the Sunday school, not old enough 
to join the older Endeavor society, yet who, it was felt, could 
be brought to take a stand for Christ and helped to continue 
in the christian way by an organization, on the Christian 
Endeavor plan, adapted to their capacities. 



176 History and Annals of the 

A weekly afternoon devotional meeting was held, usually 
conducted by the Juniors themselves, sometimes addressed 
by the pastor or others. Several of the committees of the 
older society were just as appropriate and just as useful in the 
jimior society. Interest in missionary objects and contribu- 
tions for their support were also prominent features of the 
Jimior work. In 1901, when the Pastor's Band was formed 
for a special course of instruction by the pastor, the Junior 
Society of Christian Endeavor was merged into that organi- 
zation. 



The Chinese Society of Christian Endeavor 

As the work in the Sunday school for the Chinamen of the 
city progressed, and some of the men gave evidence of an in- 
terest in the christian religion, the leaders in the work began 
to feel that some form of religious service should be inaugu- 
rated that would give opportimity for participation by the 
men. A visit to the city by Yong Kay, a Chinese missionary 
from Boston, resulted in the organization, on February 7, 
1898, of a Chinese Society of Christian Endeavor on the same 
lines as similar societies among the Chinese of other cities, 
with Miss M. Elizabeth McClintock as superintendent, and 
Mr. Carl Remington as secretary and treasurer. 

From a report by Miss Adelaide B. Whipp, the present 
secretary, the following facts are taken : The society numbered 
only four members at the start, two active and two associate 
members. The largest membership at any time since has been 
sixteen. The present membership is twelve, two active and 
ten associate members. Two of the original members are 
still in the society. Thirty-six different men have been 
members. 

As far as possible, meetings are conducted as in other 
Endeavor societies, with reading of Bible verses; singing and 
prayer in Chinese and English; consecration meeting, with 



Central Congregational Church 177 

reading of pledge and roll-call; and monthly collection for 
missions. The attendance at the meetings has not been con- 
fined to the members of the society. Often as many as twenty- 
eight Chinamen have remained for the Endeavor meeting. 
Those interested in the society have found encom'agement 
in the faithful attendance, continued interest, and liberal 
giving of the men. One member has professed the christian 
religion, and has united with our Church. A member, absent 
for a time in a western state, never fails to send a letter to be 
read at the consecration meeting, with an offering enclosed. 

The gifts to missionary and Christian Endeavor work have 
amounted to $361.10, and have been made to the following- 
named objects : American Board : Foochow Mission (Mr. and 
Mrs. Hinman), Japanese Mission (Mr. and Mrs. Cobb), South 
China Mission (Dr. C. R. Hager, where the support of a native 
worker for a year has just been assimied) : American Mission- 
ary Association (Chinese work in California) ; Congregational 
Sunday-School and Publishing Society (Chinese work in New 
England) ; United Society of Christian Endeavor (for work in 
China), and the state, county, and city Endeavor unions, for 
ciurent expenses. 

An interesting occurrence in connection with the Chinese 
society should be here noted. The Fall River Christian 
Endeavor Union some years ago purchased a silk banner to 
be displayed at the imion gatherings, and voted to give it, each 
year, into the custody of the society having the largest average 
attendance of members at the regular weekly prayer-meetings 
of the previous year. On the occasion of the first award of 
the banner, after the Chinese society had joined the local 
union, it was found that it led all the other societies in the 
particular named, and the banner came to the care of the 
Chinese society. The very same thing happened the two 
following years, at which time the local union, finding that it 
was practically impossible for any other society to ever again 
become possessed of the banner, voted it to the Chinese society,. 



178 History and Annals of the 

to become its exclusive property. It then secured another 
banner, to be used in future contests. It was at first proposed 
that the basis of award should be the amount per member 
contributed for missionary objects; but it was found that in 
this respect the Chinese society would doubtless again lead. 
The second union banner is now awarded to the society having 
the largest proportional attendance at the quarterly meetings 
of the union. 




MISSION CHAPEL OF CENTRAL CHURCH 
Pleasant Street, Fall River, Mass. 



Central Congregational Church 179 

Mission Work of Central Church in Fall River 
A.a 1849- J905 

Introduction — First School, 1849. 

Organization of the Union School, 1853. 

Fall River Domestic Missionary Society, 1853-1858. 

Ladies' Society — Auxiliary, 1853-1858. 

Gentlemen's Society — Auxiliary, 1854-1858. 

Thomas Boardman, Missionary, 1853-1857. 

Fall River Mission Sabbath School, 1858. 

Fall River Mission Sunday-School Building, 1861. 

Annals of Pleasant Street Mission Sabbath School, 1861-1903. 

Work of Rev. E. A. Buck, Missionary, 1867-1903. 

Work of Miss Caroline Borden, 1853-1905. 

Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class, 1880-1905. 



History of Pleasant Street Mission School 
A^D* I849-J903 

The first movement towards establishing a Sunday school 
for the neglected children of the city, who received no religious 
training at home, was inaugurated at a ladies' prayer-meeting 
for foreign missions, held in the vestry of the Central Church, 
on Bedford Street, in the summer of 1849. Mrs. Borden, wife 
of Col. Richard Borden, asked at that meeting the question, 
'^Are there no heathen about us, who need to be saved ? '' 
Two of the ladies present, Miss Lucretia Dean and Miss Julia 
A. Sessions (now Mrs. Eli Thurston), volunteered to go into the 
byways and alleys of the town, with the purpose of persuading 
parents to allow their children to come on the next Sunday 
morning, at nine o'clock, to the hall on Bedford Street, where 
they might learn something which would do them good. 

The hall, in which some eight or nine children gathered 
that first Sunday, was loaned for the purpose by its owner, 
Mr. Abram Bowen, father of Mr. Joseph A. Bowen. 



180 History and Annals of the 

Our own Sunday school connected with the Church was large 
and prosperous, and universally attended by the children of 
the Church; but members of the Central Church were the 
'pioneers in the mission work in Fall River, which has since 
grown to such proportions. 

The numbers attending this Mission School steadily in- 
creased, but naturally fluctuated, as the children were often 
late or absent, so that Miss Dean and Miss Sessions agreed to 
go early to the homes of the children and bring them. This 
they did for some time, until steady habits of attendance were 
formed. 

An episode occurring soon after the opening of the Mission, 
is of some interest as illustrating the immense change of 
sentiment in regard to Sabbath observance since those days. 

It was foimd, to the indignant surprise of the teachers, that 
the children attending the school often supplied themselves 
with candy and peanuts at a little hut of a shop near their 
hall, and within a stone's throw of the churches. It was kept 
by an Irish woman, in defiance of law and the rule of her own 
church. Great was the horror of the good ladies interested 
in the school; for they felt sure that all the good they could 
inculcate would be more than canceled by the wickedness of 
such Sabbath breaking. So great was their zeal for reform, 
that they invoked the aid of the police, and all attended 
court as witnesses against the law-breaker; as a final re- 
sult, the proprietor was obliged to remove to a less sanctified 
locality. 

This movement for the benefit of the neglected waifs soon 
attracted the attention of the christian workers of the town 
belonging to other denominations, and in the spring of 1853 
the ^' Fall River Domestic Missionary Society " was organized, 
including different religious denominations, and having for 
its object '' the diffusion of religious knowledge among the 
destitute in Fall River and vicinity," by the employment of 
one or more missionaries to labor from house to house, and 



Central Congregational Church 181 

by the distribution of Bibles, tracts, and religious books. At 
this time, it was thought expedient for the interests of the 
Mission, to reorganize the school, making it a '^ union school," 
and non-sectarian, also to change its place of meeting to some 
room not connected with any church. This change was made, 
and the school was put under the patronage of that society. 
Mr. Thomas F. Eddy was made superintendent. The suc- 
cessive presidents of the society were, Richard Borden, Ben- 
jamin Earl, Elihu Grant, and Jeremiah Young. 

In the summer of 1853, a Ladies' Society was organized, to 
be auxihary to the Fall River Domestic Missionary Society; 
also including different denominations, for the purpose of 
supplying clothing for Sabbath-school children. 

May 14, 1854, a meeting of the superintendents and teach- 
ers of the school was held at the Mission room, on Central 
Street, when it was voted to organize " a society for the pur- 
pose of sustaining the Sabbath school," to be known as the 
" Fall River Missionary Sunday-School Society." Its charter 
members were : Thomas Boardman, Lucretia Dean, Elizabeth 
R. Shove, Eliza G. Burrows, Helen M. Cobb, Maria B. Marvel, 
William T. Coggeshall, Hannah E. Coggeshall, Joseph Borden, 
Thomas F. Eddy, John D. Flint, Sylvia J. Dyer, David H. 
Dyer, Emily G. Fish, Lucy G. Corey, Harriet E. Whitney, 
Mrs. Bennett, Caroline Borden, Mary E. Hill, Mary A. Dilling- 
ham, Annie M. Strout, Marietta Howard, John White, Miss 
Waldron, Mrs. Blake. 

May 28, a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The 
constitution defined the object of the school to be, '' to co- 
operate with the Domestic Missionary Society of this city, 
in the support of a Sabbath school (now in existence) for the 
benefit of such persons, both children and adults, as attend 
no other Sabbath school." It was voted that " this school 
shall be supplied with, at least, two teachers — a gentleman 
and a lady — from each of the churches represented in the 
Domestic Missionary Society of this city." The by-laws pro- 



182 History and Annals of the 

vided that the scholars in the adult department, wishing to 
attend a certain church, or being assigned to a certain church, 
should be in the class of a teacher attending that church; 
should accompany him or her to church; and be subject to 
the control of that teacher till after the church service; also 
that the scholars in the Infant Department should accom- 
pany the superintendents to church, or join the teachers in 
the adult room and go with them to church, subject to the 
same rule and control as their own scholars. The members 
of one family should attend the same church. 

A regular system of visiting the scholars at their homes, 
and rendering reports of the condition of the respective de- 
partments and classes of the school, and of the condition of 
the families with which the scholars were connected, was 
adopted. Regular monthly meetings of the officers and 
teachers were established. It was made the duty of each 
teacher ^^ to endeavor, with earnest sincerity, to seek the 
temporal and spiritual good of those committed to their 
care." 

Thus the school went on under the patronage and support 
of the two Missionary Societies, adopting such changes in 
their method of teaching, interesting, and controlling the 
scholars, as its officers and teachers thought best. It held its 
sessions now in a basement; now in an upper chamber; and 
then in a more commodious place; and sometimes it was 
almost without any place; at times contending with difficul- 
ties and oppositions, and then rejoicing in the evident care 
of the Lord of missions. 

The union spirit in which the Mission was inaugurated, 
after a while began to languish; and in 1858, the Gentlemen's 
Society disbanded and afterwards the Ladies' also. The 
Gentlemen's Society had sustained one missionary (Thomas 
Boardman), who commenced his work in the spring of 1853, 
and continued until the spring of 1857. He was a zealous 
and faithful laborer, and accomplished much good. 




THOMAS F. EDDY 
Deacon, A.D. 1874-1886 



Central Congregational Church 183 

When the Missionary Societies dissolved, the '' Fall River 
Mission Sabbath School " was thrown upon personal charity 
for support. The officers and teachers of the school assumed 
the responsibility by paying money into its treasury and by 
soliciting funds in its behalf. 

Sometimes the school had scarcely any place for meeting. 
Such was, indeed, the case in the spring of 1860. At this 
time a committee of five were appointed '' to procure and 
arrange a place for the meeting of the school, provided they 
can do it without expense to the school." 

The committee consisted of Mr. Ehas C. Nason, Mr. Thomas 
F. Eddy, Mr. Richard B. Borden, Mr. Wm. H. Brackett, and 
Mr. Wm. B. Durfee. 

Through the favor of God, and the kind generosity of the 
friends of the Mission, they erected a building on the corner 
of Pleasant and Sixth streets, on a lot the use of which was 
given by the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory corpora- 
tion. This building w^as completed and dedicated and occu- 
pied by the school, January 7, 1861. 

The first superintendent was Mr. Thomas F. Eddy. His 
term of service continued from 1849 to 1881. As a token 
of the school's appreciation of this service of thirty-two years, 
a gold-headed cane was presented to him in behalf of the 
school, on Easter morning, April 17, 1881. Mr. Eddy re- 
tained his connection with the school to the end of his earnest, 
active christian life. There came to him in 1886, the Master's 
call " to rest," and he was gathered with other faithful workers 
to hear the welcome, ''Well done, good and faithful servant, 
enter into the joy of thy Lord." 

The later superintendents were, Mr. Alphonso S. Covel, 
Mr. Suneon B. Chase, Mr. Chas. H. Wells, Mr. Joseph B. 
Richardson, and Mr. J. Seymour C. Fielden. Mr. Richard B. 
Borden was identified with the school from its very beginning 
as a union school. In all its vicissitudes, he was a never- 
failing source of strength and reliance. 



184 History and Annals of the 

Mr. James C. Eddy was treasurer of the society for thirty- 
four years, and was succeeded by Mr. Wells. 

Mr. Ira Marvell was for many years the faithful librarian. 

Miss Caroline Borden was the first secretary of the society, 
and also the first assistant superintendent. 

Miss Borden performed much of the early missionary work 
of the school. The work from the beginning had a warm place 
in her heart, and her interest in it never flagged. 

In 1860, nineteen of the twenty-seven teachers were from 
the Central Church. In the report of this year's work, it 
was stated that 3,992 verses of Scripture were committed to 
memory by the members of the school. 

Soon after entering the Chapel, a Sabbath-evening service 
was established at an hour before the regular services at the 
churches, so as to interfere as little as possible with them. It 
was largely attended. As one poor woman said, '' It comes 
in right handy for any one who has a family." Many who 
would not attend the churches learned here the way of sal- 
vation. 

One of the most blessed instrumentalities connected with 
this school was the mother's weekly prayer-meeting, imder 
the care of some two or three of our most devoted christian 
ladies. Here, these biu'dened and toil-worn women came 
and learned to cast their burdens on the Lord, to seek help 
in the struggles of daily life. They found manna to their 
souls, and light to their feet. Here, too, they were taught 
how to bring their little ones to Christ. 

Early in 1861, a question which had long caused much 
anxiety and care and study was taken up for serious considera- 
tion, — '' How should we prevent our scholars from roaming 
in the streets and desecrating holy time during the morning 
time of church service? " One short hour of christian teach- 
ing was hardly accomplishing all our duty towards them. 
The early plan was to have them all in church; but it could 
not be carried through for want of teachers from the respec- 




Rev. EDWIN AUGUSTUS BUCK 
Missionary, A.D. 1 867-1 903 



Central Congregational Church 185 

tive churches where they were assigned. It was concluded 
to hold a morning service at the Chapel, adv ising olderschol- 
ars to go to church, and detaining the younger ones. The 
teachers were to remain each by turn, one Sabbath in each 
month, or less frequently if might be. This service was con- 
tinued till August, 1864, when it was thought expedient to 
suspend it for a season. 

The blessing to the city of the method of christian work 
carried on by this school induced several churches to estab- 
lish mission schools of their own, and this lessened the imion 
work; but the society continued loyal to its constitution, and 
to its principle of union. Later, the care of this school was 
left almost entirely to the Central Church. 



"Work G>nducted by Rev* Edwin A* Buck 
Missionary, A.D, J867-J903 

At a special meeting of the Fall River Mission Sabbath 
School, October 27, 1867, it was voted to extend a call to 
Rev. Edwin A. Buck to be their missionary. The committee 
appointed was Messrs. Thomas F. Eddy, E. C. Nason, Thos. 
J. Borden, William B. Durfee, and James C. Eddy. The call 
was accepted, and the work began December 1, 1867. 

In 1868, the Fall River Mission Sabbath School pledged 
itself to cooperate heartily with the Central Church, and to 
submit annually a report of its labors. According to its con- 
stitution, that nothing sectarian should be taught in their 
school, they were obliged to decline to become an auxiliary 
to the Church. In 1882, however, the property of the Mission 
School was transferred to the Central Church Society, and 
the control was assumed by the ChiKch. 

The first work of the missionary was that of canvassing the 
city, visiting from house to house from the Narrows to the bay, 
and from Globe Village to Bowemdlle. These visits for many 



186 History and Annals of the 

years averaged fully two thousand a j^ear, the largest number 
being twenty-six hundred. The Sabbath school at 9 a.m. 
was always attended by the missionary, whose genial presence 
and firm hand was felt in every department. 

At the Sunday-school concerts, held on Sabbath evenings, 
the audience room was filled to overflowing, and the singing, 
led by Mrs. Wm. B. Durfee, assisted by Miss Josephine E. 
Rowands, was most spirited. The building soon became too 
small for the school and was enlarged one third. From the 
yearly records, the largest number belonging to the school 
at any one time was seven himdred, and the largest attendance 
at any one session was six hundred and eleven. 

In the larger building, beside the regular Sabbath services, 
the boys were gathered in companies as ^^ Young Crusaders," 
and the girls in sewing classes. In connection with the girls, 
a fair was held, which netted one himdred dollars for the 
use of the Bible readers in their work. 

A free evening school was established when there was none 
other in the city. So many lads applied for admittance, that 
it was voted that none under eighteen years of age be received. 
A free reading room was also opened. 

The Christmas festivals were an important feature of the 
year's work. Children and parents assembled for the even- 
ing's entertainment, furnished by the members of the school. 
The Chapel could not accommodate these gatherings. The 
old City Hall, Puritan Hall, or Music Hall was the rallying 
place. The memory can never be effaced of the happy faces 
of both the children and the missionary, as the stirring notes 
of the old English carol, ^' Christians, awake! salute the happy 
morn," rang out with the enthusiasm characteristic of the 
school. 

Excursions 

Each year excursions were arranged for the Sunday school. 
In 1875, a public movement was made in which all the mills 
of the city cooperated, each paying so much a spindle toward 



Central Congregational Church 187 

a day's outing for the children. The missionary accompanied, 
on fom* successive days, upwards of four thousand children 
to Oakland Beach. He secured for them all the privileges of 
the grounds, and a clam dinner each day. The bills were 
made out for forty-foiu* hundred and twenty-five children, 
amounting to twelve hundred dollars. 

Bible Readers 
In cooperation with the Fall River Bible Society, four Bible 
readers were employed. This work began in 1869 and con- 
tinued eight years. 

Children's Friend Society 

In 1869, the Children's Friend Society was formed through 
the efforts of the missionary. In 1872, this society merged 
with the Orphans' Asylum into the present Children's Home. 

Granite Mill Fire 

At the time of the Granite Mill fire, September 19, 1874, 
the Chapel was promptly opened for the relief of the sufferers. 
A fund of $2,209.00 was raised by a dramatic club connected 
with the Church of the Sacred Heart. The distribution of 
this money was committed to the care of two priests and the 
missionary. Circimistances were such, however, that it came 
chiefly under Mr. Buck's direction. The influence thus gained 
among the operatives w^as never lost. 

Temperance "Work 

At an early period a Temperance Society was formed. 
Mr. R. K. Remington and Mr. Joseph A. Bo wen took an 
especial interest in drawing up the pledge of this society. Sat- 
urday-night temperance meetings were established and con- 
tinued throughout the history of the Mission. The police 
station was visited from Sabbath to Sabbath for twenty-five 
years, and more than ten thousand prisoners w^ere personally 
addressed. 



188 History and Annals of the 

HoIIy-Tfcc G>ffee House 
Centennial year (1876), in the Centennial Block on Fourth 
Street, the experiment was made of opening a ^' Holly-Tree 
Coffee House/' This, it was believed, could be made self- 
sustaining, and very helpful in promoting the cause of tem- 
perance. It became a favorite resort for working men and 
women, and when the school relinquished its interest in the 
same, there was a balance of five hundred dollars in its favor 
for the general work. 

Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class 

The Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class was formed April 
25, 1880. Elsewhere will be given a history of this important 
work, which was ever dear to Mr. Buck's heart. 

The Missionary's Temperance Aid and Mutual 
Improvement Society 

In 1885, a Missionary's Temperance Aid and Mutual Im- 
provement Society was formed. The young men and women 
of the Mission entered into this most heartily. Miss Caroline 
Borden furnished a parlor in the Chapel for them. A valuable 
library was gathered, and games were supplied which made 
their evenings both profitable and delightful. Papers were 
prepared and read by members of the society at their liter- 
ary meetings, on such subjects as the following: '^ Has Pro- 
hibition been a Failure? " '^ Reading and What to Read," 
'' Dangerous Classes in Our Large Cities," ''^ An Evening with 
Gladstone," etc. They also added materially to the financial 
welfare of the Mission. A large proportion of this society 
became members of our Church and teachers in our Sabbath 
school. It was given up, after the formation of the Christian 
Endeavor Society and the Young Men's Christian Association. 

In later years, a new society, called the ^' Central Church 
Friendly Society," was formed. 



Central Congregational Church 189 

Open-Aif Meetings 

During the first summer of the missionary's work, open-air 
meetings were held on Sabbath evenings, on Rattlesnake 
Hill, near where the Richard Borden Mill No. 1 now stands; in 
Ruggles Grove; in a grove near the Mechanics Mills; at Steam- 
boat Wharf; and on the South Park. Thousands gathered 
at the latter place, and gratifying testimonies of permanent 
good derived from the services, made glad the hearts of the 
different clergymen who cooperated with the missionary in 
this phase of his work. 

Harbor Work 

For many years, the vessels of the harbor, from Globe Village 
to Bowenville, were visited every Saturday afternoon. Tracts 
were distributed amongst the sailors, and notices given of the 
Sabbath and week-day services. The testimonies of sailors, 
given at the Tuesday and Satm'day evening meetings, added 
largely to their interest. Cottage meetings were held in many 
places ; but with the growth of the city, and its mixed popu- 
lation, these wTre finally discontinued. 

Different Nationalities 

The Pleasant Street Chapel was largely a christian home 
for all nationalities represented in our city. Americans, 
English, French, Irish, Scotch, Portuguese, Scandinavians, 
Armenians, and Syrians were alike welcomed. The mutes of 
the city also had the free use of the Chapel for public service 
as often as they desired it. At times there were as many as 
eight different services held in this building on the same 
Sabbath. In 1892, the use of the building was given to the 
Free Kindergarten Association. They availed themselves of 
the privilege until the building was sold (1899). 

The French Work 
The work among the French began the first year of Mr. 
Buck's labors in the city. In visiting them, tracts were left, 



190 History and Annals of the 

also Testaments in French and English. Soon a promising 
class of the French was gathered into the Pleasant Street 
Mission Sabbath school. There were early converts among 
them, and some joined our Church. Especial services in 
French were held in the Chapel, Sabbath afternoons. This 
work, in connection with the First Church, resulted in the 
formation of a French Protestant Church in 1886. In 1888, 
a new church building was dedicated. The number of mem- 
bers reported at that time was seventy. This church is now 
under the charge of the Massachusetts Home Missionary 
Society. From 1867 to 1887, a total of $1,742.38 was 
expended in the French work under the direction and care 
of Mr. Buck. 

General Work 

Every day in the week the Chapel doors stood open, and 
to a large extent the office of the Mission filled the place of a 
Bureau of Labor. No stated record was kept of those who 
crossed the threshold day after day, either seeking aid or 
offering assistance through the missionary, whose motto read : 

Help whomever, 
Whenever you can! _^ 

Man forever 
Needs help from man. 

His own words give a glimpse of his office work : 

One great advantage of having our Chapel open seven days in the 
week is that, from time to time, souls struggling with sin and sorrow 
find help as they come seeking counsel, and for a season bow the knee 
in prayer with your missionary. 

Mr. Buck's chief aim in extending a helping hand to the 
unfortunate, was to cultivate a spirit of independence and 
self-respect. To quote again: 

The divine method of helping man to help himself, was found often 
to be an effectual way of detecting impostures. The question is 
often asked, " Are you not deceived by these applications? " Not so 
often as you may think. I know them to be bad, but, alas! it is 



Central Congregational Church 191 

written, " There is none good save One." He that gave His life a 
ransom for many, declared, " I came not to call the righteous, but 
sinners to repentance." He sent forth his disciples as fishers of men. 
The sportsman who is sparing of his bait brings home but a small 
mess. " There is that scattereth and yet increaseth." The fish are 
worth more than the bait. The fraudulent nibbler may be caught, 
and prove the best fish on the string. 

Mr. Buck was in close touch with the masses, and the calls 
upon his time, strength, and sympathies were manifold. He 
attended twenty-two himdred funerals, christened seventeen 
hundred and twenty-seven children, and performed sixteen 
hundred and thirty-five marriage ceremonies. He once said, 
he should put over his door, '^ E. A. Buck, Joiner." Through 
failing strength, the work at length became too arduous for 
him, and the Church generously provided an assistant. In 
1897, Mr. Joseph B. Richardson, a graduate of the Springfield 
School for Religious Training, was employed. After sixteen 
months of faithful service, he resigned, to take a similar posi- 
tion in New York. 

Financial Status 

In the furtherance of all the different departments of the 
work during the thirty-five years, $41,010.13 came under 
the supervision of the missionary. Twenty-four hundred and 
forty-five dollars and eighty-five cents of this amount repre- 
sented the cash given or loaned in small amounts to those in 
need. Sixteen himdred and sixty-seven dollars and twenty- 
three cents were repaid by those aided. 

As far as possible, the school met its own expenses; and 
from the Sabbath contribution they paid each year for their 
quarterlies and Simday-school papers; also the water, the 
gas bills, and the janitor's salary. Entertainments given by 
the Missionary's Temperance Aid and Mutual Improvement 
Society during its existence netted $525.00, which was ex- 
pended in recarpeting and refurnishing the oflSce, and in 
repairing and repainting the Chapel. Entertainments given 



192 History and Annals of the 

by the school in 1893, netted $500.51. This was expended 
again in repainting, repairing, and reseating the building. 

The Boys* Qub 
The Boys' Club was established in 1890, and was a cul- 
minating work of the life-long service of Mr. Buck for the 
uplifting of the youth of our city. The donor of the fine and 
perfectly-equipped building for the club was Mr. Matthew 
C. D. Borden, a son of that mother in Israel whose heart 
first conceived the work known for so many years as the 
" Pleasant Street Mission Sabbath School." 



Qwarto-Centennial 

A Quarto-Centennial recognition was given Mr. Buck by 
the Ladies' Beneficent Society at their semi-centennial gath- 
ering. At the close of the evening, an envelope was handed 
the missionary. The following letter explains its contents: 

Fall River, December 2, 1892. 

Dear Mr. Buck, — I take great pleasure in conveying to you the 
enclosed savings bank deposit of one thousand dollars and check on 
bank for one hundred and thirteen and 25-100 dollars, as a token of 
the affection and good-will with which your many friends throughout 
the city, of all denominations, as well as others who reside in other 
places, bear toward you. 

They have felt it to be both fitting and a great pleasure to express 
in some manner, on this Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the begin- 
ning of your labors in our midst, their appreciation of your services 
in ministering to the needs of all classes in the community, both 
temporal and spiritual, and also their regards for you as a man. 

With the earnest wish that your useful life may be spared to us 
for many years, and that you and yours may be abundantly blessed 
in both spiritual and temporal things, I remain in behalf of a large 
number of your friends, S. B. Chase. 

,^ c. T-» /-t Fall River, December 3, 1892. 

Mr. S. B. Chase: ' ' 

My dear Sir and "Many Friends,'^ — On opening your valuable 

and most unexpected bank and check communication, last evening, 



Central Congregational Church 193 

on reaching home, after the delightful semi-centennial of the Benefi- 
cent Society, I was for a time silent before my family, dazed with 
surprise. I had no expectation of any recognition of this " Quarto- 
Centennial ' ' of my work in Fall River. The work has brought its own 
reward, as I have been permitted through these years, to see the happi- 
ness and improvement carried to so many hearts and homes, while 
acting as your agent in ministering to the temporal and, I trust, spirit- 
ual good of so many needy and suffering ones. 

No small part of the success and enjoyment of my work has come 
from the hearty cooperation of all who have been called upon to 
engage in the many different branches of the same. 

How shall I express to you all — " the many friends throughout 
the city, of all denominations, as well as others in other cities " — 
my gratitude and obligations for this expression of your great kind- 
ness and good-will toward me! The eleven himdred and thirteen 
and a quarter blessings which you have sent to me, I hope I shall be 
enabled to make to contribute to the happiness of others as well as 
my own. 

It is truly blessed thus to receive. May you all find it true that 
" it is more blessed to give than to receive." It is my most earnest 
prayer, that to you all there may be given, by Him '' who though rich, 
for our sakes became poor," manifold more in blessings spiritual as 
weU as temporal. ^^^^^ gratefuUy yours, 

E. A. Buck. 

For thirty-eight years the Pleasant Street Mission was the 
center of earnest, practical religious work. In the growth of 
the city, conditions changed in this locality, and it became 
purely a business center. These and other considerations 
made a radical change advisable, and in 1899, the Pleasant 
Street Mission Chapel building was sold. 

By a singular coincidence, the closing entertainment at the 
Chapel was held on the fiftieth anniversary of the formation 
of the mission school. On this occasion, the Mothers' Bible 
Class presented Mr. Buck with twenty dollars in gold, it being 
the twentieth anniversary of the formation of the class; also 
thirty-two roses, significant of the thirty-two years of Mr. 
Buck's work in the school. This was but one of the many 
tokens of love and esteem received by Mr. Buck from the 



194 History and Annals of the 

Bible Class. The following Sabbath morning, April 14, 1899, 
the school met at the usual hour, in the Chapel of the Central 
Church, Rock Street, where it continued its morning sessions 
imtil it was merged into the Noon Bible School, after the 
death of Mr. Buck (March 9, 1903). 

At the annual meeting of the Church, in April, 1899, Mr. 
Buck, after thirty-two years of service, tendered his resig- 
nation. 

The Church passed the following resolutions, made him 
'^ missionary emeritus," also provided for a continuance of 
his salary, and in these words paid a beautiful tribute to his 
faithful service, and their appreciation of the same: 

Whereas, The Reverend Edwin A. Buck, missionary of the Central 
Congregational Church of Fall River, has tendered, after a service 
of thirty-two years, his resignation of that office because of accu- 
mulated years, and because the conditions and requirements of the 
present mission work of the Church call for an outlay of strength 
which he feels to be beyond his powers at seventy-five, therefore, it is 

Voted, That his resignation as missionary be and hereby is accepted, 
with this declaration, that in thus formally relieving him from the 
heavy responsibilities of the office he has so long and so successfully 
fiUed, we do but make a change in form; that we shall ever cherish 
the memory and example of the faithful service, and consecration to 
christian ideals, exhibited for an entire generation among us, in the 
ministrations of the Rev. Edwin A. Buck; 

Voted, That we desire and intend that this ministry shall go on 
among us, as his strength and personal welfare shall warrant; but 
that he shall count himself free from obligation to render service, 
except in such manner, and at such times, as the strength given in 
his age and the promptings of his consecrated heart may direct; and 
to so provide, it is hereby 

Voted, That the Rev. Edwin A. Buck is made " missionary emeri- 
tus " of Central Church, with salary such as the society may determine. 
And in further expression of our deep regard for him and his noble 
life of service. 

Be it Resolved, That we gratefully recognize the devotion and 
unstinted labors of our missionary, in season and out of season; his 
faithfulness to every trust confided to him, in these long years of 



Central Congregational Church 195 

ministry; the wise counsels given to unnumbered inquirers; the 
consolations to many a troubled one; his blessed ministrations in 
sickness and bereavement; his aid in countless good works; and his 
endearment to the whole community, growing with its growth and 
strengthening with its strength. His term of service, beginning 
two years before death ended the pastorate of our lamented Dr. 
Thm-ston, has compassed the pastorates of Rev. Michael Burnham, 
Rev. Eldridge Mix, and Rev. W. W. Jubb, and has now extended into 
the present pastorate of Rev. William A. Knight about as far as into 
that of Dr. Thurston. The children have become fathers of the Church ; 
the departments of the Church's work and interests have multiplied ; 
the city has grown from twenty-one thousand to a hundred thou- 
sand people; notable developments have been made in the commer- 
cial, industrial, and general community life; institutions have grown 
from small beginnings imtil they are numerous and strong; mechan- 
ics, science, and art have made wonderful transformations; but the 
tender spirit and sterling fidelity of our beloved missionary have not 
changed, save to broaden and deepen the channels of his love and 
devotion. 



Work and Expenditures among the French in Fall River 



1868. 


Distribution of Tracts and Testaments. 




1871. 


Tracts, 


$9.00 


1871. 


Tracts, 


4.50 


1872. 


French Tracts, 


3.00 


1873. 


Mr. F. Xavier Smith, ) 
Mr. F. Xavier Smith, ) 


600.00 


1874. 


1874. 


Paid for French Mission, 


80.68 


1874. 


Paid for French Mission, 


10.00 


1880. 


Paid for Father Chiniquy, 


50.70 




Rev. Mr. Morrisseau, 


580.00 




Rev. Mr. Vilatte, 


267.00 




Rev. Mr. Lafond, 


50.00 


1885-86. 






Other items, 


87.50 



Total, $1,742.38 

The French also enjoyed the full use of the Chapel; corner of 
Pleasant and Sixth streets, from 1868 to 1887. 
[Copy of statement made by Rev. E. A. Buck.] 



196 History and Annals of the 



Mission Work 

Conducted by Miss Caroline Borden 

The record of the work of the Pleasant Street Mission School 
and Rev. E. A. Buck, missionary, may well be supplemented 
by a brief narrative of the work of Miss Caroline Borden, 
the daughter of Col. Richard Borden. She was no incon- 
siderable factor in the missionary activities of those former 
days, and has ever retained her interest in all the history of 
the Mission, as the foregoing pages abundantly testify. 

She did much of the early work of this school. Annually 
in the winter she visited all the families represented in the 
school, making a full record of each in members, daily occu- 
pation, attendance of children at school or work and church 
going — more frequently non-church going. In some years 
the scholars of the school registered more than four hundred 
whom she visited. From this record she compiled semi- 
annual reports for the Sunday-school Society. 

In doing this work, Miss Borden was convinced that some- 
thing more was needed to give intelligent stability among the 
boys of the Mission, and therefore established a Boys' Literary 
Club. This club continued for several years, holding weekly 
meetings, opened by Scripture reading. The meetings were 
always attended by Miss Borden, and a great variety of sub- 
jects were studied and discussed. The subsequent manhood 
of its members in integrity and christian character testified 
to the broad and permanent efficiency of the club. 

At a later period, in connection with the Mission, she 
held on Sundays at the old Central Church, two Bible 
classes for men, — one for the young men, and one for the 
older men, at both of which the morning sermon was studied. 
The class of young men was held at the close of the morning 
service, and an hour later the older men, having been supplied 
with light refreshments provided by their teacher, had also 



Central Congregational Church 197 

their hour of Bible study before going to their distant homes. 
These were occasions of great interest and profit. The class 
of young men were entertained monthly by her in her home. 

Another branch of Miss Borden's mission work was a Sunday- 
morning service at the City Almshouse, attended by the in- 
mates from one to eighty years of age. In this she was 
greatly aided by the superintendent of the almshouse, Mr. 
Dean, and by his wife and daughters, who, during the week^ 
taught the children in music and in the Bible lessons assigned. 
Besides the morning service, Sunday-school concerts were 
often held in the evening. Mr. Andrew Borden, then of the 
First Congregational Church, accompanied Miss Borden in 
this work. The City Almshouse Mission continued after Miss 
Borden was obliged to relinquish it. 

Her four-o'clock Bible class on Sunday afternoons, on 
the New York steamboats, for the men employed in service 
there, were occasions of great interest. 

While she now Hves in Boston, she has continued her 
membership in the Central Church at Fall River. Her 
activities in home and foreign missionary work go zealously 
on. Abroad she is especially identified with the American 
College for Girls at Constantinople, and with the International 
Institute for Girls in Spain, — the work of Mrs. Alice Gordon 
GuHck. 

After the terrible massacres of the christians in Turkey, 
in 1895-96, her attention was especially called to the suffering 
and destitute Armenians. The American people had sent 
large amounts of money for relief, but strenuous necessity 
for clothing still existed. 

In May, 1896, Miss Borden instituted a work for this relief, 
which extended over a large section of the United States^ 
with headquarters in Boston, and which continued for several 
months. To this work she gave unlimited time and strength 
in every detail. The immediate and abundant response to 
appeals, made the question of transporting tons of clothing 



198 History and Annals of the 

a^serious one, and Miss Borden addressed a letter to the Cunard 
Steamship Company at Liverpool, asking for cooperation in 
this philanthropy by free transportation of this clothing from 
Boston to Constantinople and Smyrna. 

A gracious reply was quickly sent, which stated, " We have 
availed ourselves of this opportunity for furthering your 
views and good work with unfeigned pleasure, and shall 
always be glad of similar ones." 

This work continued for ten months, in which time the 
Cimard Steamship Company carried nineteen tons in fulfill- 
ment of their generous promise. 

The fifty-nine boxes contained about nine thousand gar- 
ments of excellent quality, for men, women, and children, 
which at a low estimate were valued at $10,474.00, to which 
must be added one hundred and fifty dollars contributed for 
inland transportation in Turkey. 

Letters of gratitude received, fully compensated for this 
work. Ten boxes were received at one time at Harpoot, the 
field of Miss Sejmiour, concerning which a letter said, '' We 
put the boxes into one large building not destroyed by the 
Turks, and shouted ^ Hallelujah,' and then began to distribute 
-the articles to the suffering people." 

In recent years. Miss Borden has been in active cooperation 
with others in the Armenian work in Boston, in educational, 
evangelistic, and benevolent enterprises, in ministries for mind, 
body, and soul, and in which she has been sustained and helped 
by leading clergymen of our denomination and many others. 



Central Congregational Church 199 



Fathers and Mothers* Bible Class 

On April 25, 1880, a class was formed in connection with 
the Pleasant Street Mission, for the study of the Bible. It 
was called the " Mothers' Bible Class," and was conducted 
by Mrs. William Carr, Mrs. Charles A. Baker, and Mrs. Joseph 
A. Bowen. Mrs. WiUiam H. Jennings was a teacher for four 
years, in the absence of Mrs. Bowen. 

At the first gathering, twelve were present. This number 
increased to seventy. Two hundred and thirty have been 
connected with the class. 

In 1883, a Fathers' Class, numbering eight, was formed, 
with Mr. Charles A. Baker as teacher. It met at the Chapel, 
in another room, at the same hour with the Mothers' Class, 
that fathers and mothers might together study the Word of 
God. 

About fifty have been identified with it. Many calls for 
aid have been responded to, and the mothers have often been 
helped in their endeavors to secure money for benevolent and 
charitable purposes. 

In connection with the Mothers' Class, in January, 1883, a 
sewing society, called the ^' Mission Aid Society," was organ- 
ized, and held its meetings every two weeks (excepting during 
the summer months) for seven years. 

Committees were appointed to visit the sick, and give 
practical assistance wherever it was needed ; and often desti- 
tute ones who had no church connection were aided and 
cheered. 

The deep interest of the members for each other had its 
open manifestation in their benevolent and christian work. 
Over thirteen hundred and fifty articles of clothing and 
bedding, seven hundred and fifty of which they contri- 



200 History and Annals of the 

buted themselves, were distributed during the seven years; 
more than three hundred dollars were expended for persons 
in need. This sum of money was raised in various ways, by 
the teachers, and through the voluntary gifts of interested 
friends. 

Beside the aid imparted in their regular work, the Bible 
class contributed articles valued at twenty-five dollars to 
a box sent by the Central Church Beneficent Society to the 
'^ Remington Mission '' in Dakota. 

In 1882, the class raised thirty dollars with which to start 
a library. Various sums have been reaUzed from time to 
time from entertainments, and new books have been pur- 
chased. A new library was begun after eighteen years; the 
old one was then given to a Sunday school where it was 
received with high appreciation. 

Since 1881, a collection has been taken each Sunday, and 
the sum of $1,563.59 has been contributed. This amount 
has been distributed in many ways: for home missions; the 
Armenian Orphan Fund; the famine sufferers in India; the 
furnishings of a room at the " Home for Aged People in Fall 
River "; books for a Sunday-school library in California; for 
the ^' carpet fund " in our home church, and for the needs of 
their own members. No account has been kept of money 
collected for special gifts. 

The classes have shown their appreciation of and love 
for different pastors of the Church by inany valued re- 
membrances — for the missionary. Rev. Mr. Buck; for the 
teachers; and for Miss Carohne Borden. After Mr. Buck 
passed away, a large framed photograph of him — a fine like- 
ness — was presented by them and hung in the Chapel, over 
his desk. 

Miss Borden has always been interested in the work and 
has shown her remembrance of the classes in many ways, both 
pleasing and helpful. For a number of years she has pro- 
vided for an electric-car excursion each summer. She has 



Central Congregational Church 201 

also sent flowers, cards, or booklets at Christmas and 
Easter. 

Very many of the members have been gathered into church 
fellowship. A mutual bond of sympathy between the teach- 
ers and classes has always existed. Credit is due the members 
for the readiness with which they have aided one another 
in the social gatherings in the houses of their teachers and 
in their own homes, as well as in the parlors of the church; in 
their care for the sick and needy; in their floral tributes when 
any one of their nimaber has died; in their aid to one another 
in studying the Word of God; and in their contributions in 
money for benevolent work. 

The heaviest grief which ever came to them occurred in the 
death of their beloved and revered missionary, Rev. E. A. 
Buck, who in a special manner identified himself with their 
work. He was a devoted friend, a spiritual guide, an inspira- 
tion to better living, — one who ever pointed onward and 
heavenward. 

Twenty-Fifth Anniversary 

The twenty-fifth anniversary of the class was held in April, 
1905, in the church parlors, which were made unusually 
attractive with flowers and palms, brought in from the Chapel 
for their decoration. Mrs. Jennings, though absent from the 
city, remembered the anniversary by a bouquet of beautiful 
pink roses, twenty-five in number. 

Past and present members, with their husbands, also the 
pastor, the deacons and their wives, — altogether, a company 
of one hundred, — were assembled. A varied musical pro- 
gram was enjoyed, and a fine and choicely worded review of 
the work of the class from its foundation was read by Mrs. 
Bowen. Each member was presented with a memorial of 
the occasion, in the form of a decorated card, delicately 
hand-painted, printed in silver, and containing the following 
lines : 



202 History and Annals of the 

X880-J905 

Mothers' Bible Class 

He hath no need of me in grand affairs, 

Where fields are lost, or crowns won unawares; 

Yet, Master, if I may make one pale flower 

Bloom brighter, for thy sake, through one short hour; 

If I, in harvest fields, where strong ones reap, 
May bind one golden sheaf, for Love to keep ; 

May speak one quiet word when all is still. 
Helping some fainting heart to bear thy will; 

Or sing one high, clear song, on which may soar 
Some glad soul heavenward, I ask no more. 

Refreshments were served, and after brief remarks from 
some of the guests, the evening closed with the hymn, " God 
be with you till we meet again." 




Miss HARRIET SEYMOUR 
Missionary to Turkey in Asia 



Central Congregational Church 203 



Woman^s Foreign Missionary Society 

The Fall River Auxiliary of the " Woman's Board of Mis- 
sions/' usually called the " Woman's Foreign Missionary 
Society " of the Congregational chiu-ches in Fall River, was 
organized in the vestry of the First Church, January 25, 1869, 
by electing Mrs. Richard Borden (who was a vice-president 
of the Woman's Board in Boston), first director; Mrs. 
John S. Br ay ton, recording secretary; Miss Caroline Borden, 
corresponding secretary; and four ladies, two from the First 
Church and two from the Central Church, to secure members. 
Mrs. S. Angier Chace and Mrs. John E. Hills were chosen 
from the Central Church to serve on that committee. 

The Woman's Board in Boston proposed an auxihary in 
every Congregational church, but the ladies of the two churches 
in Fall River thought the best results would be attained by 
having but one organization in this city. 

Officers were chosen from both churches, and the meetings 
were held alternately in each of the two churches. The ladies 
of the Fowler Church joined the society in 1880; and after 
the formation of the French Congregational and Broadway 
churches, the ladies of those churches were invited to become 
members. At first all moneys collected were sent to the 
Woman's Board in Boston, for the general fund; but soon 
it was suggested that the society support a missionary of its 
own. 

As this system had not as yet been adopted by the Woman's 
Board of Missions, appeal was made direct to Secretary Clark 
of the American Board. He heartily approved the plan, 
and gave to us the names of three women, whom he said, 
" are the best unmarried women in our work," — two in India, 
and Miss Harriet Seymour in Harpoot, Tiu-key. 

We chose Miss Seymour at a meeting held in November, 
1869, and in a commimication dated January 5, 1870, we 



204 History and Annals of the 

sent to her a message of sympathy, and a pledge of prayers 
for her and her work as follows : 

Our dear Miss Seymour, — Ninety-seven ladies, members of the 
Fall River Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, rejoice, to-day, in the 
privilege of calling you their missionary, and wish to assure you of their 
christian love and their warm sympathy. They promise you their 
prayers, that the Holy Spirit may be given unto you in such full meas- 
ure that all your labor for the poor women of Turkey may be owned 
of the Master, and serve his honor and glory. 

Mrs. John S. Brayton, Secretary. 

This association with Miss Seymour, so auspiciously begun, 
has continued iminterruptedly for the whole thirty-five years 
of her missionary activities, and has established a bond of 
loving esteem and friendship which death alone can sever. 

Miss Seymour replied: 

My heart goes out to you all, this morning, and I long to see your 
faces in the flesh, the faces of those who for the Master's sake have 
adopted me, his servant. 

When it was suggested to me that I should become a missionary, I 
said, " Although Turkey seems to me the pleasantest mission field in the 
world, I do not forget that there are always deprivations and hardships 
attending the missionary life ; yet I fully believe that Christ who has 
called me to this work, will go with me, and his powerful and loving 
hand will make my pathway as smooth as is best for me." I am very 
happy in the thought of my new work. I cannot say my heart is not 
full, when I think of parting with friends; but at the longest, it wUl 
seem but a little while. My best Friend is going with me, and I have 
learned that his presence makes my day, and when he abides with me, 
no circumstances can make me unhappy. 

Rev. S. M. Campbell, her pastor, writes of her quahfications 
thus: 

She is a young lady of superior christian character, good nature, and 
talents; with a temper superlatively calm and cheerful; admirable 
good sense; and very diligent and economical. She will work with 
others pleasantly, acquire influence rapidly, and keep it with all. She 
is refined and cultivated. I give up Miss Seymour with a feeling of 
sacrifice. I have no lady in my church so useful to me. 



Central Congregational Church 205 

Miss Se5Tiioiir had sailed for Harpoot early in the spring 
of 1867. While there, she was associated with Miss Warfield 
in the seminary. They worked together lovingly in the school, 
imtil the death of Miss Warfield, February 12, 1873. Since 
then. Miss Seymour and Miss Bush have been associated 
together, and have been very happy in their work. They 
were dear friends in early Kfe. Miss Seymour says, '^ The 
longer we live and work here, the more are we assured that 
the good Father has brought us together." 

A part of Miss Seymour's work was to visit out-stations 
in different places, sometimes accompanied by Dr. Barnum 
or Rev. Mr. Brown of the Harpoot Mission. In the month 
of November, 1869, Miss Seymoiu* and Miss Warfield spent 
two and a half weeks traveling to different stations. Rev. 
Mr. Brown went with them. During this tour they traveled 
one hundred and forty miles, visited fourteen stations, and 
held thirty-four meetings. 

Their first night was spent in a room with mud walls and 
mud floors; the beams above them were blackened with 
smoke. The fire was made in a deep hole in the floor, and the 
smoke escaped through an opening in the roof. 

The second night was spent at a teacher's house. After 
riding five hours, they were ushered into a stable, a part of 
the floor of which was raised a httle, and separated from the 
rest of the apartment by a railing a foot in height. This was 
the family sitting-room. The supper provided for them was 
placed, a part upon a Httle box, the remainder on the floor. 
After supper some men called to see Mr. Brown, and the 
cattle were brought in for the night. The family and visitors 
nimibered seven, and were all to be accommodated in these 
quarters. 

One night was spent with a former pupil, where they were 
all treated with great kindness. They also met the wife of 
Baron Philibo, who had been one of their pupils for three or 
four years. She was a dull scholar at school, but she shone 



206 History and Annals of the 

as a bright light in the midst of the surrounding darkness of 
these regions. 

They endured hardships and discomforts, but their hearts 
were filled with great encouragement; and they were well 
repaid for an evening's talk, if some poor, ignorant woman 
showed a desire to learn of Jesus. They returned to their 
school with grateful hearts, saying, '' Truly goodness and 
mercy have followed us all the way." 

This is but one of many similar tours she took during her 
residence at Harpoot. Wherever and as often as these evan- 
gelists dismounted from their horses, men and women would 
come together for Scripture reading and prayer. Schools 
and churches were planted, homes brightened, and love 
illuminated many a dark spot on the mountains and in the 
valleys. 

In 1877, Miss Seymour's health began to fail, and she came 
home to her friends in this coimtry. It was while on this 
visit that she came to Fall River, visiting with Mrs. 
Richard Borden and family. They threw their doors wide 
open and invited all our society and others to call on her. 
Many availed themselves of the opportunity. Personal 
acquaintance strengthened the bond of union. She was 
pleasing in manner, gentle, quick, and forceful. She stayed 
in this country for about a year, when her health having been 
restored, she returned to her work in Harpoot, in August, 
1878. Her last visit prior to her departure was made in Fall 
River, from whence she went forth ladened with gifts for her 
people. 

In 1904, her missionary labors in the field were finally ter- 
minated. She had been a colaborer with us for thirty-five 
years, and had remained on the field three years longer than 
was ordinarily expected. It is customary for active service 
in missionary labors to terminate at the age of seventy years, 
but Miss Sejmiour had passed beyond that honored milestone 
in life's pilgrimage. She returned to America, and was again 



Central Congregational Church 207 

with us in the spring of 1905; at the annual meeting of the 
Old Colony Branch, which was held in the Chapel of the 
Central Church. 

She spoke in oiu- morning business meeting about her 
special work in Harpoot; in the afternoon, a reception was 
given her by the ladies in the parlors of the church, when 
many had the pri^^lege of making her acquaintance and of 
shaking hands with her. 

She has now (1905) laid aside her active work and is at 
home among friends. 

K great deal of work in the foreign field has been accom- 
plished in many directions by our society; other missionaries 
have been helped; the work has spread over much territory; 
and mission stations have been visited from time to time. 
Many letters have been received and read in om' meetings. In 
the November meeting of 1883, the record says, '^ Our hearts 
warm within us, when we read the names of the long list of 
foreign missionaries who have spoken at our meetings. Nine- 
teen in all have thus appeared." Probably many more have 
visited us since. 

As the work of the Woman's Board of Missions increased, 
and auxiliaries were multiphed, '^ branches " were or- 
ganized, comprising twenty auxiliaries and mission circles 
with responsible officers. The ^' Old Colony Branch '' was 
organized in southeastern Massachusetts, with which the 
Fall River society became associated in 1882. Mrs. Charles 
J. Holmes of the Central Church, Fall River, was president of 
this branch for many years, and on resigning this office she 
was elected '' Honorary President," an office which she still 
holds. 

In November, 1894, the '' Silver Wedding " of the Fall River 
society and Miss Se}miour was celebrated at the First Con- 
gregational Church. One hundred and ten persons were 
present, among them being some who are now members of 
the senior society, but who in their younger days belonged 



208 History and Annals of the 

to the '' Willing Helpers," and who now brought their children 
to join in this celebration. 

Miss Seymour's photograph was set in a frame, around 
which were placed silver coins to the amount of sixty-one 
dollars, which were subsequently sent to her as a silver wedding 
gift. Mrs. Eli Thurston contributed a fine paper reviewing 
the events of the past years; Miss Caroline Borden of Boston, 
spoke of incidents connected with the work of the society 
in its earlier days; a copy of the letter sent to Miss Seymour 
twenty-five years before, as well as the last two letters received 
from her, were read; and a social hour and song fitly closed 
the exercises and the final meeting of the year. 

On May 29, 1895, the semi-annual meeting of the Woman's 
Board of Missions of Boston was held with the Fall River 
society in the Central Church. 

In 1896, a union meeting of all the Foreign Missionary 
Societies of the several denominations in Fall River was held 
with the First Church. Some two hundred persons were 
present. Miss Caroline Borden prepared a paper, giving a 
survey of the work of the Congregational churches in foreign 
lands. Other ladies presented similar papers of their own 
denominational work. The meeting was a great success, 
and closed with the oft-repeated expression of hope, that in 
the future other like gatherings might be held. 

The good work still goes on, not perhaps on just the same 
lines, but the field is large, there are many open doors, and 
somewhere, at some time in the near future, we hope that 
our society will again take up some special work and help to 
gather in the '' golden sheaves " under the lead of our divine 
Master. \ 



Central Congregational Church 209 



Willing Helpers^ Society 

It had been proposed by some of our ladies, members of 
the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of Fall River, that 
there should be an opportunity for the smaller children to 
become interested in missionary work. On January 13, 1870, 
the children of the First Congregational Church and the 
Central Church were invited to meet in the vestry of the 
First Church to form a society to be called the " Willing 
Helpers." 

They responded quickly, and at that meeting became 
^' willing helpers " indeed. The object named was to raise 
funds sufficient to support two of Miss Seymour's scholars 
in Harpoot, Turkey. At a later date, the children of the 
Fowler Church also came into the organization. At the first 
meeting. Miss Hattie Andrews was made treasurer, and col- 
lectors were appointed from the Central Chm-ch, namely, 
DeHa S. Carr (now Mrs. James E. Osborn), and Alice L. Buck; 
from the First Church, Mary Brayton and Emma Dimning 
(now Mrs. Albert S. French). It was voted that twenty-five 
cents should be the membership fee. 

During the first year four boys and sixty-eight girls joined. 
In March of that year (1870), Miss Rice of Persia was invited 
to meet the members, together with any children of our day 
schools who might desire to attend. About three hundred 
and fifty were present. 

A letter was written to Miss Seymour, asking her to select 
two girls for the society to assist in some way, and to send 
word what was especially needed for them. 

The second annual report, in 1871, says that there were 
fifty-nine members of the society, and that they had raised 
in different ways the sum of $149.39, which had been placed 
in the treasury. It is not necessary to give the record from 
year to year. This little band of workers, as they became 



210 History and Annals of the 

older, gave up their interest in this special junior branch, and 
many of them have enrolled their names in the mothers' 
society, and are now active members and officers of the 
same. 

Different missionaries from all parts of the foreign field 
have met with them, and they have had a large share in the 
great work of clothing and brightening the lives of those who 
live far away in other lands. 

They have given entertainments of many kinds to help 
swell the funds of their treasury. In 1877, when Miss Sey- 
mour was in this country for a vacation, she came to Fall 
River, and met with the children at one of their meetings. She 
told them about her journey home, and about the children 
they were helping, Aimie and Decoolie, and that Aimie was 
especially anxious to come to America with her. 

In January, 1898, the twenty-eighth anniversary of the 
Willing Helpers was held in the vestry of the First Congre- 
gational Church. A reception followed the business meeting. 
A very interesting paper was read by Miss Edith Hawes. 
Among many other items, it was stated that $2,212.16 had 
been raised in those years by the Helpers. Miss Sarah S. 
Brayton wrote a paper, which was read by Helen Brayton, 
recording the facts connected with the starting of the 
society. 

Miss Caroline Borden came from Boston to be present on 
this occasion. She invited the members to help her fill a 
box she was about to send to Miss Seymour in Harpoot. 

A collection basket was placed on the table, in which sub- 
sequently was found the sum of forty dollars, together with a 
number of notes of congratulation on their anniversary 
celebration. Refreshments were served to about one hundred 
and forty persons who were present. There are many pleasant 
statements in the annual reports of the Willing Helpers — 
a name happily chosen for them in the days of their first 
meeting. 



Central Congregational Church 211 

In 1881, they journeyed in imagination, by the aid of maps 
and charts, from Fall River to Harpoot in Turkey. 

The organization has given a four years' course of instruc- 
tion in Harpoot to Aimie, the Kurd girl, and afterwards sup- 
ported her as a teacher. It also gave a three years' course 
to Decoolie, Mayloo, Esther, Jubal, and Yeagharper, — in 
all, six scholars. 

It has sent several boxes to Harpoot, and in nearly all the 
other years, it has made a donation to objects other than for 
the education of these girls. All this ennobling and beneficent 
work has been accomplished in the thirty-five years of its 
existence. 

As time goes on, many of the older ones have joined our 
mothers' society, and are instilling into their children the need 
of such work, as well as the pleasure they will receive through 
this life, in helping to lift the burden from those who are so 
ignorant and needy, especially in their spiritual natures. 



Cradle Roll 

At one of the quite recent annual meetings of the Woman's 
Foreign Missionary Society of Fall River, mention is made 
of a vote to have a '' Cradle Roll " in the society. A com- 
mittee was appointed to visit the parents and secure the names 
of the young children of members. 

Mrs. Arba N. Lincoln, Mrs. George S. Brigham, and 
Mrs. Arthur Anthony were appointed from the Central 
Church. 

Efforts were also made to enroll the names of children from 
the other churches — the First Congregational Church, the 
Fowler Church, and the Broadway Church. A total of fifty- 
three children joined through their parents, paying the cus- 
tomary fee of twenty-five cents. There was an entertainment 
given for them in 1904, in the Chapel of the Central Church. 
Its members are from the age of one year to five years. 



212 History and Annals 

Financial 

Since the year 1882, when the Woman's Foreign Missionary 
Society became associated with the Old Colony Branch of the 
Woman's Board of Missions of Boston, the members directly 
connected with Central Church have contributed these sums 
through their various organizations, to wit: the Ladies' 
Auxiliary, $4,228.00; the Willing Helpers, — seniors and 
juniors, — $1,185.00; miscellaneous, $258.91, making a grand 
total of $5,671.91. 



PERSONAL SKETCHES 



Central Congregational Church 215 

PASTORS 



Rev* Samuel "Washburn 

The first settled minister of the Central Church in Fall 
River was the Rev. Samuel Washburn, who was installed 
April 24; 1844. Mr. Washburn was a preacher of more than 
ordinary ability. He had a clear, pleasant voice, distinct 
utterance, and an easy flow of language. His tastes were 
cultivated and refined; his manners graceful and winning, 
with such a charm of conversation as made him a brilliant 
accession to any gathering of scholarly men. He was un- 
usually gifted in his addresses to the Throne of Grace. Presi- 
dent Stearns of Amherst, who preached his installation 
sermon, said of him, '^ It is no disparagement to his success- 
ors to say that he is a rare man, able, zealous, full-hearted, 
and devoted." His brother ministers characterized him as a 
preacher sound in faith, apt to teach, and exact in discipline. 

The early years imder Mr. Washburn's administration were 
largely years of organization. As chairman of the committee, 
he prepared the first church manual, containing a List of 
Members, Ecclesiastical Principles and Rules, Confession of 
Faith, Covenant and Form of Admission to the Church. The 
Sabbath school took a more definite form at this time, coming 
under the care and support of the Church. The Church stead- 
ily increased, adding to its members, mostly those coming by 
letter, but some on confession of faith. 

Mr. Washburn was dismissed at his own repeated request, 
in January, 1849, having served the Church as pastor four 
years and eight months. He was afterwards settled over a 
church in Baltimore, where he remained a few years. He 
died in New York, September 15, 1853. 

Mrs. Hannah J. Washburn, wife of Rev. Samuel Wash- 



216 Personal Sketches 

burn, died March 23, 1845. Mrs. Washburn was a highly 
accomplished, intelligent, amiable, and devoted christian 
woman. She had traveled much abroad, and stored her 
mind with a fund of information, valuable to herself, and in- 
teresting and profitable to others. To her husband's flock 
she became strongly attached, and by them was most highly 
esteemed and loved. Her hand was ever open to the needy, 
and her heart to the afflicted. She had been in ill health for 
some time previous to her decease, suffering greatly at times. 
Her funeral services were held at the Central Church, and were 
conducted by Rev. Thomas Shepherd, of Bristol. She was 
buried at Andover, Mass. 



Rev* Eli Thurston, D^D* 

Dr. Thurston was born in Brighton, Mass., June 14, 1808. 
He spent the first five years of his life there, removing to 
Jamaica Plain in 1813. His father died in 1817, and at the 
age of nine and a half years he went to make his home with an 
uncle in Westboro; he remained there until his seventeenth 
year, when he removed to Millbury, Mass., to learn the trade 
of gunsmith in the government works. About this time, 
he entered upon a religious life, and soon felt himself called 
to the gospel ministry. 

With characteristic energy, he immediately began his 
preparations, commencing his studies at Day's Academy, 
Wrentham, then a popular school. Through untiring effort 
and aided by friends, he was graduated with honors at Am- 
herst, in the class with Henry Ward Beecher, in 1834, later 
receiving the degree of doctor of divinity from his alma mater. 
The following year was passed at Andover Theological Semi- 
nary, after which he spent two years of study with Dr. Ide 
of West Medway, now Millis. During a part of this time, he 
supplied the pulpit at East Medway. Later, two years were 



Central Congregational Church 217 

passed with Dr. Emmons in preparing the latter's manuscripts 
for publication. 

Because of unusual promise, he was licensed to preach by 
the Mendel Association while pursuing his education. While 
preaching in East Medway, a great religious interest was 
awakened, and in a little more than a year the membership 
of the church was nearly doubled. 

After completing his studies, he spent a short time at 
Wrentham and produced a deep impression by his command- 
ing eloquence, his intense earnestness, and simplicity of 
manner. 

At Wrentham, he met Miss Caroline M. Sanford, whom he 
married. In 1852, she passed away, leaving two children, 
Philo Sanford, who died in 1876, and Anna H., now Mrs. 
George H. Buck, of Chelsea, Mass. In 1854, he married 
Miss Julia A. Sessions, who, with her two children, Caroline 
S. (Mrs. James F. Jackson), and Thatcher T. Thurston, are 
still living. 

In 1838, he received ordination and began his first pastorate, 
lasting ten years, at Hallo well. Me., after which he spent a 
a year in Boston without settled work. During this time, he 
labored in connection with a mission in South Boston holding 
its services in a hall in the Old Colony Station. While there, 
Dr. Nathan Durfee (a committee on pulpit supply) requested 
him to preach for us as a candidate. This he refused to do, 
afterward, however, saying he would go to any church, as a 
minister of the gospel, requiring his services. 

After hearing him, the Church, ever alert and quick to move, 
at a special meeting called to consider the question, voted to 
give him a call to become its pastor, the Society also voting in 
full accord with the Church. Mr. Washburn was dismissed 
January 2, 1849, and six weeks later Mr. Thurston took up his 
work. He came January 24, 1849, and was installed on 
March 21. 

Said one who knew him well: 



218 Personal Sketches 

If the Central Church wanted a positive leader, a man who was not 
afraid to handle the truth; a man who, when he entered Fall River, 
meant positively the advancing of the kingdom of Christ ; a man who, 
when he entered the pulpit, stood as if he had a message to deliver, they 
had it in Dr. Thurston. The man stood out in answer to the call of the 
Church, clear, dignified, pleasing. He was no brilliant, flashy light; 
he was no dreamer or theorist ; he was a plain, practical, far-sighted, 
fearless, godly man. He believed in a kingdom of truth, and he 
preached it with all his might. He believed sin to be a man sinning, 
and he preached to that man repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus 
Christ. His sermons were clear, pungent, and powerful. Once admit 
his premises, you could not escape his conclusions. Polite men, 
cunning men, quailed before that sharp knife of his tongue, and yet he 
had the gentleness of a friend and father of his people. He was a man 
of positive beliefs, and had a positive way of stating his convictions. 
He made no compromise with error or half truth or with any practices 
which anniilled or would lead to the annulling of the commands of God. 

Of his preaching one of his Church has said, ^' I go away each 
Sabbath wondering what more he can say to purify and elevate 
the Church, and yet each returning week brings messages 
equally fresh. ^' His Sunday and Thursday evening meetings 
were full to overflowing, and at the close of his work our 
Church had increased to a membership of over three himdred. 

On December 4, 1869, word came that his son Sanford was 
ill of pneimionia in Boston, and he hastened to his bedside. 
While there he contracted a severe cold, but returned on 
Saturday expecting to preach the following day, but was 
unable to do so. The following Thursday he became critically 
ill with an attack of paralysis of the lungs. He gradually 
failed until, a little after midnight of Sunday, the 19th, the sum- 
mons came, and his spirit took its flight to the realms imseen. 

Dr. Thurston was sixty-one years of age. He had been 
with us twenty years lacking one month. He fully realized 
the seriousness of his last illness, and said to his dear friend, 
the Rev. P. B. Haughwout, ^^ If I go, I shall see you where 
I am." His friend joined him a few years later. 

On the morning of December 22, 1869, prayers were offered 



Central Congregational Church 219 

at the house by Dr. Thatcher Thayer^ of Newport, and an hour 
later services were held m the chiurch. The audience room was 
completely draped in black, while over the pulpit, in the midst 
of beautiful ferns and palms, were placed the last words 
spoken by Dr. Thiu*ston, " Thy will be done, on this I rest." 
A wreath of roses hung on the closed door of the family pew^ 

The pubhc services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Seth 
Sweetser, of Worcester, a personal friend of Dr. Thurston's, 
and Dr. W. W. Adams. Rev. P. B. Haughwout made the 
principal address. Leading members of the Church and 
Society ser^^ed as pall bearers. 

Seats were reserved for the Taunton Conference of Ministers 
and the pastors of the city churches. Montgomery's well- 
known and most appropriate hymn was among those simg by 
the regular choir. 

Servant of God, well done, ' 

Rest from thy loved employ ; 
The battle fought, the victory won; 

Enter th}' Master's joy. 

Much has been written and elsewhere recorded of this 
widely influential minister of the gospel, and there are many 
reminiscences especially dear to his people, which are worthy 
of record in this narrative did space permit. 

At the settlement of Dr. Thurston, there were many efficient, 
zealous, working members in the Chiu-ch, and under the lead 
of the new pastor, they soon began to make it felt as a 
power in the community. Accessions were made, often in 
great numbers, and, as a missionary church at home and 
abroad, it ranked among the first in the state of Massachusetts. 

World-wide interests, such as discoveries, inventions, the 
wonderful facihties of communication between nations, etc., 
were matters of vital importance to him. They aroused the 
whole enthusiasm of his nature, for through them he beheld 
the grand and final triumph of our Lord in the whole world. 

Probablv no other man in Bristol Coimtv wielded so sreat 



220 Personal Sketches 

an influence in many ways. In his public addresses he was 
always greeted by large and appreciative audiences. 

As a reformer, his influence was felt throughout the city. 
His interest in the pubHc schools was very active, and he 
served upon the school board from 1850 to 1856. He recog- 
nized the liquor traffic as a source of incalculable evil and an 
obstacle to every good work. His voice was often heard in his 
pulpit upon political topics, and the cry against " politics in 
the pulpit " he severely rebuked. 

At one time, the city caucus was called to meet upon the 
same evening as the midweek church service, — the caucus at 
eight o'clock and the church service at half past seven. The 
church meeting opened promptly at the appointed time, and 
as the clock struck eight, Dr. Thurston arose and said, " Breth- 
ren, we have a duty to perform at this hour at the City Hall, 
the meeting is dismissed ''; and pastor and people repaired to 
the City Hall, which was already crowded. It is satisfactory 
to know that the temperance ticket was nominated and subse- 
quently elected. 

As Governor Andrew was the war governor of Massachu- 
setts, so Dr. Thurston was the war minister of Fall River, and 
his Church was ever attuned to the keynote of patriotism and 
duty. During the Civil War, his whole soul was stirred to 
its depths, and his sympathy in the struggle was intense. In 
those trying years, his faith in God and his omnipotent power 
to work righteousness did not fail. 

A member of the old church choir relates this circimistance : 

One of their mmiber was in the habit of receiving telegraphic 
news, and sharing it with Dr. Thurston before he left his study 
for morning service. When the news came that " Richmond 
had fallen," it was decided not to tell him until he was in the 
pulpit. As he entered the church, the organist, Lyman W. 
Deane, began to play with the full power of the organ, " John 
Brown's body lies a-moldering in the grave; his soul goes 
marching on." Dr. Thurston was amazed, as were those of 



Central Congregational Church 221 

the congregation who had not heard the news, and was at a 
loss to understand such an innovation and untimely levity. 
As Dr. Thurston ascended one side of the pulpit, a messenger 
met him from the other, and handed him the telegram. As 
he opened it, the organ suddenly ceased, then followed an 
intense silence while he read the message. At its end he 
stepped forward and said, " Let us pray." He concluded his 
prayer with the words, '' Praise God from whom all blessings 
flow "; the congregation rose at once, and together they sang 
the joyful words. His wonderful sermon preached upon the 
assassination of President Lincoln, from the text Jeremiah 
48: 7, " How is the strong staff broken and the beautiful rod," 
is still held in memory by our older members. 

He was greatly interested in the church choir, often attend- 
ing its Saturday evening rehearsals, and commending heartily 
any selection or rendering which especially appealed to him. 

His study was on the Rock Street side of the old church 
edifice, and one, now living, attests to his early winter walks to 
the church, lantern in hand. 

Another member recalls an evening meeting, when, at a 
pause, it was suggested that the pastor take his chair and 
become one with the people. This at the time did not meet 
with his approval. The following Thursday, however, after 
the opening prayer, he took his seat with the audience, and the 
meeting proved so pleasant, inspiring, and successful, that the 
custom was often followed. 

A close friendship, not imlike that of David and Jonathan, 
existed between Dr. Thurston and the Rev. P. B. Haughwout 
of the First Baptist Church of this city. For many years their 
monthly exchange of pulpits gave pleasure and mutual benefit 
to their congregations. 

Dr. Thurston's life stands before us, a living monument to 
God's praise, and will so stand as long as the Church remains. 

He was a ^' cornerstone " well fitted and rounded out, a 
chosen vessel fit for the Master's work. 



222 Personal Sketches 

Rev» Michael Bttrnham^ D«D. 
An Appreciation 

It was a kind providence which brought Mr. Burnham to 
the Central Church as the successor of Dr. Thurston in the 
pastorate. 

Although young and inexperienced in the ministry, his zeal 
for the work, and the entire consecration of his soul to the 
sacred calling, soon won to him the hearts of his people, and 
he has retained their warm affection and interest through all 
the years of his absence, as is witnessed by the fact that he has 
been recalled to preach for us almost every summer since he 
left Fall River, and our people have shown their dehght each 
year in welcoming him back to his old pulpit. 

The strong attachment so immediately felt for Mr. Burn- 
ham was largely due to his genuine and keen sympathy with 
his people, in their grief at the loss of their well-beloved pastor 
who had ministered to them for twenty years. 

Mr. Burnham so truly entered into the experiences of his 
Church that he seemed to feel a personal share in their sorrow, 
and his intuitive understanding of Dr. Thurston's character 
was always so appreciative that it was difficult to realize the 
fact that the two men had never met. Indeed, the desire 
voiced by Mr. Burnham at his first service with us after his 
installation, that the mantle of Dr. Thurston might fall on 
him, seemed by his people to have been answered when the 
new pastor was permitted to see the fulfillment of the plan so 
near to the heart of the old pastor, that we should build a sub- 
stantial and beautiful house of worship, which should fittingly 
express the zeal and devotion of the people. 

Mr. Burnham was an eloquent and persuasive preacher. 
His natural gifts of expression were far beyond the ordinary, 
and his sermons were rich in allusion and illustration. He 
was imusually gifted in prayer, and in the prayer-meeting, 
both as leader and speaker, he was inspiring and impressive. 
But his greatest power and influence lay chiefly in his winning 



Central Congregational Church 223 

personality, — the man himself, his sincerity, his earnestness, 
his whole-souled devotion to Christ and his kingdom; and 
above all, his human interest, the unaffected and warm out- 
going of his heart toward individuals, and his desire to help 
and to save. These were the qualities which so endeared him, 
not only to the people of his own church, but to hundreds 
outside his own parish, and which lent a peculiar charm and 
persuasiveness to all his public utterances. As one has lately 
written of him, " For those closest to him, that which overtops 
all in his character, is his wonderful capacity for sympathy, 
as pastor and friend; he is a modern ' Greatheart.' " 

The Church continued to grow and flourish during Mr. Burn- 
ham's ministry. The congregations were large and interested, 
and the prayer-meetings were so well attended that it was 
difficult for a late-comer to find a seat. Mr. Burnham was 
very successful in inducing the people, young and old, to take 
active part in the meetings, and there were scores who were in 
the habit of speaking or praying, so that the meetings main- 
tained a high degree of interest and profit. Mr. Burnham 
was so popular and attractive, both as preacher and pastor, 
that he united all classes, and drew into the Church many 
who, though poor in this world's goods, proved themselves 
by their active interest and service, to be rich towards God. 
The majority of such additions to the church membership 
were the fruit of Mr. Buck's loving labors, but their connection, 
with the Central Church was largely determined by their 
respect and admiration for its pastor. 

Notwithstanding the success of Mr. Burnham's ministry, the 
years brought many burdens and trials which tested the 
endurance and faith of the pastor. The present church 
building was erected in the early years of his ministry, but the 
load of debt which later rested on the Church, mainly resulting 
from the depreciation and lack of sale of the old church 
property, was a source of depression and worry. When this 
load was Hfted and the debt paid (1880), it was done at the cost 



224 Personal Sketches 

of great personal effort and sacrifice on the part of Mr. Burn- 
ham. 

It was during his pastorate, also, that the Church lost two 
most generous and loyal supporters, in the deaths of Col. 
Richard Borden and Dr. Nathan Durfee. Death also invaded 
the pastor's own home, and claimed two interesting and lovely 
little children; there were, besides, other trials and disap- 
pointments, so that the pastor's health began to give way 
under their accumulated weight. 

He could not throw off these troubles with the buoyancy of 
one whose sympathies were less keen and sensitive. He bore 
his people on his heart, and the burden of responsibility and 
trial told so heavily on his health, that when he received a call 
to Inmianuel Church, Roxbury, in 1882, he felt it wise to 
accept this opportunity for change of scene and work, to the 
great regret of the Church and the whole city. 

Mr. Burnham's subsequent history, as pastor of the churches 
in Roxbury, Springfield, and St. Louis, has but proved and 
ripened his talents, and added, year by year, to his reputation 
as one of the strong men of the denomination. All his 
charges have been in churches of prominence and of the first 
standing. In all of them he has sustained himself with marked 
ability and success. His wife, whom he married February 8, 
1871, four months after his installation, was Miss Cassandra 
V. Washburn, of Abington, Mass. She has always been a 
helpmeet for him, — cheerful, warm-hearted and cordial, 
full of energy, and extremely useful in all the work of the 
Church and parish. She has been beloved by all who have 
known her. 

Five children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Burnham, — 
four of them during the Fall River pastorate. Of these, 
the two oldest only are now living, — a son, Edmund 
Alden, like his father a Congregational minister, and a 
daughter, Mary Wesley, now Mrs. Nathaniel S. Kaime, of 
Denver, Colo. 



Central Congregational Church 225 

It was at his daughter's home in Denver, that Dr. Burnham's 
death occurred, April 15, 1905. The news of this event 
brought deep sadness to this Church and congregation, as the 
telegram announcing the fact was read from the pulpit at the 
morning service, Sunday, April 16. Dr. Burnham had been in 
failing health for some months, and the determination of the 
Pilgrim Church to build a new house of worship in a different 
location had led to the resignation of Dr. Bm-nham from his 
charge at St. Louis, since he felt that he had not the strength 
to carry the church through this new experience. He and 
Mrs. Burnham had been but a few weeks with their daughter, 
in Denver, where they had hoped much from rest and change 
of air, when the fatal illness seized him. 

At the annual meeting of the Central Chm-ch, on Monday 
evening, April 17, a committee was appointed to attend the 
funeral at Essex, on Thursday, and the following resolutions 
presented through Deacon Charles J. Holmes, were adopted: 

We learn, with sincere and heartfelt sorrow, of the death of our 
beloved former pastor, Rev. Michael Burnham, D.D., and desire to 
place on record this expression of our affection and esteem for him, and 
our tender sympathy for the bereaved family. Dr. Burnham's life 
became intertwined with the life of the Central Church to a remarkable 
degree. He came to the Church fresh from his seminary studies, and 
at once won the hearts of the whole parish. The twelve years of his 
pastorate, from 1870 to 1882, were eventful ones ui the life of the 
Church, including, as they did, the building, dedication, and freeing 
from debt of our present edifice. Dr. Burnham was possessed of a 
peculiarly sympathetic nature, and all the burdens of the members 
of his parish became his own personal burdens. He la^dshed his 
strength upon the people he loved, and he gained from them, in 
return, a love and esteem which the passing years have not at all 
dimmed. In his various relations with outside interests, — mis- 
sionary, educational, and civic, — he was a wise and faithful counselor 
and helper. 

Our earnest prayer is, that the comfort which he brought to so many 
hearts iu our congregation may be granted in full measure by the 
" God of all comfort," to the sorrowing widow and children. 



226 Personal Sketches 

In moving the adoption of the resolutions, Deacon Henry 
H. Earl spoke as follows : 

In the death of Dr. Burnham, the Central Church loses one of the 
most dearly beloved of its former pastors. Though compelled by ill- 
health to retire from his official relation with this Church, he never lost 
his love and affection for this, his first pastorate, — a love and affection 
maintained through all the succeeding years of his ministry, and cor- 
dially reciprocated by his people then and now. Intensely sym- 
pathetic in his nature, a man broad minded, considerate, conservative, 
he lavished his strength and affection on the objects of his love, which 
included not only his immediate parishioners, but humanity at large. 

Hence he was most faithful in all the work of his several pastorates, 
however large and exacting, — in his trusts as an official of institutions 
of learning, in his membership on domestic and foreign missionary 
boards, with his ministerial brethren, in his civic relations. Of the 
sturdy New England stock, he was always loyal to the most cherished 
convictions and the highest ideals of New England life. We are sad 
to think that we shall have him with us no more. 

The committee appointed to attend the funeral comprised 
Deacon and Mrs. Charles J. Holmes, Deacon and Mrs. Charles 
A. Baker, Deacon and Mrs. Newton R. Earl, Mr. C. V. S. 
Remington, Mr. Albert F. Dow, Mrs. Eli Thurston, Mrs. R. K. 
Remington, and Mrs. William Carr. 

The funeral services took place at the little church in 
Essex, and consisted of prayer by the pastor of the church, 
Rev. Mr. Lathrop; reading of Scripture by Rev. Mr. Capen, a 
classmate of Rev. Edmund A. Burnham; an address by Presi- 
dent Harris of Amherst, who was a room-mate of Dr. Burn- 
ham at Andover and a close friend; prayer by Rev. Dr. Barton 
of the American Board; two vocal selections sung by Mrs. 
Edmund Burnham; and benediction by Rev. Dr. Patton, 
recently of St. Louis, but now a secretary of the American 
Board. After the benediction. Deacon Charles J. Holmes 
arose, and asked the privilege of saying a few words; then, 
in trembling accents, he gave a brief but most touching and 
tender tribute to his dead friend, alluding to his connection 



Central Congregational Church 227 

with Central Church, and the strong personal ties between 
Dr. Burnham and himself. The body was laid to rest in the 
Essex chiu'ch-yard, where seven generations of the Burnham 
family are buried. His body, indeed, rests in the little country 
church-yard, but his spirit has entered in ^' through the gates 
into the city," where he is realizing the blessedness of that 
'^ communion and fellowship with the saints in light," to 
which he looked forward with such joyful anticipation and 
confidence, — a confidence stayed on Him who is our ^' God 
forever and ever." 



Rev* Eldridge Mix, D*D. 

The fourth pastor of the Central Congregational Church 
was Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D. 

He was born in Atwater, Ohio, January 15, 1833. His 
ancestors were among those brave and progressive New 
Englanders, who, early in the nineteenth century, emigrated 
from New England and settled the Western Reserve, and 
whose descendants have been so prominently identified with 
our national life. 

In early manhood, he entered Williams College and came 
imder that great educator, Mark Hopkins, graduating in 1854. 
From college, he entered Andover Theological Seminary, from 
which he was graduated in 1860; on December 6, 1860, he 
was ordained by the First Presbytery of New York City. In 
1861, he married, at Wilton, Conn., Miss Susan Willard. 

He was assistant pastor of the West Presbyterian Church 
in New York, from October, 1860, to November, 1861 ; pastor 
of the First Congregational Church, Burlington, Vt., from 
September, 1862, to September, 1867; pastor of the First 
Presbyterian Church, Orange, N. J., from September, 1867, to 
June, 1881. The degree of doctor of divinity was conferred 
on him by Princeton University in 1878. He was installed as 



228 Personal Sketches 

pastor of the Central Congregational Church, Fall River, 
in October, 1882. He resigned this pastorate in May, 1890. 

He was a faithful and devoted pastor and an earnest 
preacher, whose constant endeavor was to follow in the foot- 
steps of Christ. By his preaching and life, he held before men 
the great truth, " To save lost humanity, the invisible God 
came to dwell among us in form of man, and willed to make 
himself known by this single sign, ' Love.' " Or, in his own 
words, " We look upon One strangely like ourselves, — One 
who has bowed the heavens and come down to us; who, 
though the mighty maker of the universe, has stooped to be 
the Saviour of men." 

His life of christian strength is based upon and inspired by 
christian faith; a noble life of self-effacement, in which the 
Christ spirit such as the world seldom sees is largely exhibited; 
a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, long- 
suffering, and, " above all these things," love. 

As pastor of the Central Church, he was greatly beloved by 
his parishioners, and ever held by them as a devoted christian 
man; he was esteemed by the ministry at large, pre-eminently 
'' as a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." The ele- 
ments which marked his character were, great dignity and 
refinement of manner, unselfishness, sympathy, and integrity. 

He loved the Central Church and all its varied services, and 
his affection for it has ever been maintained during these later 
years since his pastorate. He loved intensely the Sabbath 
morning of worship, with its music and its grand old hymns 
of inspiration; he rejoiced to join with heart and voice with 
the great congregation as they sang together, 

I love thy church, God! 



Beyond my highest joy, 
I prize her heavenly ways, 

Her sweet communion, solemn vows, 
Her h5Tnns of love and praise. 



Central Congregational Church 229 

The evening hour of prayer and praise was also one of great 
comfort and joy to him. He firmly believed and preached the 
great truth, that ^^ the gospel alone can solve the large prob- 
lems of the world/' and that to advance the onward and up- 
ward movement, to elevate and christianize all mankind, is 
the high calling of the church. He loved and took great 
delight in the home and social life of his people; to him, 
home was the kindest, dearest place in all the world, — " the 
blossom of which Heaven is the fruit," an Eden spot, whose 
gateway led into the church and the life of chiistian privilege 
and service. 

He was intense^ interested in all the different branches of 
the church work, — its missionary efforts both at home and 
abroad; the Sabbath school and Young People's Society; 
its many beneficent works; especially the Pleasant Street 
Mission, so successfully and wisely carried forward by his 
colaborer and beloved friend. Rev. E. A. Buck. 

He firmly believed in and advocated systematic giving. 

He endeavored to lead his people into personal work in 
winning men into the kingdom of God. 

He has keenly felt the deaths of his steadfast and loyal 
friends, and the afterglow of their noble and devoted lives will 
not soon fade from his memory. '^ But if there was no night, 
we should not see the stars," and in all the changes and 
sorrows of life he has been enabled to say, '^ The Eternal is a 
rock and a strong refuge." 

A man of marked executive ability, Dr. Mix for a number 
of years past has been superintendent of the large mission 
work of the Congregational churches of Worcester. He 
has been enabled to do a grand work in this large field. 

On February 22, 1905, Mrs. Mix was called to her '' Father's 
house." She was a woman of refinement and culture, of 
gentleness and sincerity, loving the kingdom of God and 
devoted to its promotion. Her grace and sweetness of 
character will long be remembered here. ^' And it shall 



230 Personal Sketches 

come to pass that at evening time, it shall be hght," and 
so shall 

The voice that once said, " Peace, be still," 

Now whispers softly, " Fear no ill." 

And when the " twilight is gently closing in '' shall glad hands 
be stretched forth to welcome home, and, oh, joy! the 
Master's " well done." 

On the church calendar of February 26 was written, ^' The 
hearts of our people go out in tenderest sympathy for Dr. 
Eldridge Mix and his daughter, in their great sorrow at the 
death of Mrs. Mix." 



Rev* William Walket J«bb 

Rev. William Walker Jubb, the fifth pastor of Central 
Church, was of English birth and education. When seventeen 
years of age he joined his mother's church, the Methodist, and 
when about twenty, he began to preach. Later Mr. Jubb left 
that denomination for what he thought to be ^^ the freer life 
of Congregationalism." After some time spent in study, he 
was settled over his first Congregational church (1864) in 
Ilkeson, Derbyshire. 

He visited this country in 1881, when secretary of the 
Congregational Irish Missionary Society, and presented the 
claims of that organization in Boston, New York, Chicago, 
and Philadelphia. 

Ten years later, he visited the United States, when he was 
introduced, by mutual friends, to the Central Church, — at 
that time without a pastor. The result of this introduction 
was the installation, September, 1891, of Mr. Jubb as fifth 
pastor of the Church, which office he retained for five years, 
when he resigned and returned to England. 

Mr. Jubb was a man of great ability; eloquent as a speaker, 
and with a ready flow of language ; a persuasive orator, genial 



Central Congregational Church 231 

and sympathetic. He was well-read in the best literature, and, 
when called upon for pubUc addresses, more than filled the 
expectation of his audience. Mr. Jubb died in Illesley, near 
London, in March, 1904. 

Mrs. Martha Jubb, wife of Rev. W. W. Jubb, was a cul- 
tured English gentlewoman, endowed with many superior 
qualities of mind and heart, a woman whose presence was 
always felt for good in whatever position she might be placed. 
She was conscientious, spiritually minded, and earnestly 
devoted to the best interests of the Church. She returned to 
England with Mr. Jubb, in 1896. 



Rev, William A, Knight 

The sixth pastor of the Central Congregational Church, the 
Rev. William A. Knight, began his pastorate in October, 
1897, and served the Church until January, 1902. He was the 
son of the Rev. Allen A. Knight and Mary A. (Robeson) 
Knight, and was born in Milton, Mo., October 20, 1863. His 
education was received in the pubUc schools of Cleveland, Ohio; 
in Adelbert and Hiram colleges; and in Oberlin Theological 
Seminary; while recent study at Harvard has won for him the 
degree of master of arts. He was ordained to the ministry, 
September 4, 1886. In November of the same year he was 
married to Miss Maude Russell, of Aurora, Ohio, who with two 
daughters, Ethel and Gertrude, constitute their family. 

After pastorates in the Madison Avenue Congregational 
Church of Cleveland, and as associate pastor in the First 
Presbyterian Church of the same city, Mr. Knight went to the 
First Congregational Church of Saginaw, Mich., and thence 
was called to the pastorate in this city. The years which he 
spent with the Central Church were years of active, devoted 
service, with special emphasis, perhaps, upon the work among 
the young people. 



232 Personal Sketches 

A man of Mr. Knight's temperament could not be long in a 
manufacturing city like Fall River without having his sym- 
pathies aroused in behalf of the " toilers/' and he became 
known, not only in the Church, but in the city at large, as the 
friend and champion of the poor and unfortunate of whatever 
name or class, and as an untiring advocate of peace and 
justice for all. 

Personally, Mr. Knight is a man of deep spiritual nature, 
and of unswerving persistence in carrying out his convictions 
of duty, at whatever cost. Coupled with these sterner char- 
acteristics, are the most tender sympathies, and an artistic 
temperament which reveals itself very happily in his sermons 
and literary work. He is a constant student of the Bible, and 
his peculiar literary gift has found in " The Book " material 
for its use, in song and story. Among other writings, he has 
published a httle booklet, " The Song of Our Syrian Guest," 
an interpretation of the Twenty-Third Psalm, which has had 
a very large circulation, and has appealed to many a heart, the 
world over. 

Mr. Knight left Fall River in response to an earnest call to 
assume the pastorate of Berkeley Temple, Boston, but after a 
year's service in this large institutional church, he became the 
pastor of the Brighton Church, in the same city, where he is 
now enjoying a fruitful ministry. 

He has been called to public service, as a director of the 
Massachusetts Home Missionary Society, the Boston City 
Missionary Society, and as a member of the Committee on 
Labor of the National Council. 



Rev* Clarence F* Swift, DD. 

Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., was born in Oberlin, Ohio, 
in 1861, and graduated from OberUn College in 1883. After^a 
year in Oberlin Seminary, he completed his theological course 



Central Congregational Church 233 

in Union Theological Seminary, New York City, where he 
graduated in 1886, and at once began his first pastorate in 
Smyrna, N. Y. 

In the same year he married a college classmate. Miss 
Janet H. McKelvey, of Sandusky, Ohio, who has been a most 
active and efficient helper in every department of his work, 
and who with two daughters now constitute his family. 

In 1888, Dr. Swift accepted a call to the New England 
Congregational Church of Saratoga Springs, where he served 
for six and a half years. In 1894, he took up the work with 
the Pl5Tiiouth Church in Lansing, Mich. During this pastor- 
ate, a volume of his sermons entitled, '^ The Treasure and the 
Vessel,^' was published by the young people of his church, 
largely for circulation among the members. 

In 1899, the Park Avenue Church of MinneapoHs drew 
Dr. Swift away from Lansing, and in 1902, he was called from 
that field to take up his work in Fall River. 

In June, 1900, the degree of doctor of divinity was conferred 
on him by Knox College, Galesburg, 111. 

He is logical and forceful in his sermons, — preaching with- 
out notes. His interest in theology is largely practical, being 
much less concerned with ^' truth for truth's sake '' than with 
" truth for righteousness' sake." 



Rev* Edwin A» Buck 

Rev. Edwin Augustus Buck was born in Bucksport, Me., 
May 31, 1824. Mr. Buck's parents were James and Lydia 
(Treat) Buck, — the former a country merchant in the town 
of Bucksport. 

Edwin left home at fourteen years of age for Bangor, where 
he served as clerk in a store. During this time he suffered 
from an accident which kept him at home for some weeks. 
He always counted this event as the turning-point in his Hfe's 



234 Personal Sketches 

history. It was at this time that his mind incHned to thoughts 
of study. 

With a natural aptitude for business, and flattering pros- 
pects offered him by his employer, the decision to obtain an 
education by his own efforts and consecrate all his powers to 
the service of the Master, was a victory over self, and he never 
swerved from this Hfe purpose. He prepared for college at 
Phillips Academy, Andover. Thence he went to Yale and 
was graduated in the class of 1849. 

Three years later he was graduated at Bangor Theological 
Seminary. One year of his theological course was taken in 
Andover Seminary, Andover, Mass. 

In January, 1853, he was married to Miss Elmira R. 
Walker, of Medway, Mass. For twenty-four years, she 
shared his labors and faithfully fulfilled the duties of wife 
and mother in a home where love reigned supreme. She 
died the 16th of February, 1877. 

Mr. Buck began his work as preacher, in Pownal, Me., in 
1852. On May 31, 1854, he was ordained and settled as 
pastor over the Congregational church in Bethel, Me., where 
he continued till March 23, 1859. From March 30, 1859, to 
December 1, 1867, he was pastor of the Congregational church 
in Slaters ville, R. I. In December, 1867, he was appointed 
missionary at Fall River, and began his work immediately. 

The especial work of Mr. Buck as missionary has already 
been given in the records of the Chapel work. There is much 
of interest also in his social life. He came as a stranger to all 
except one family in our Church (Mr. Ira Marvel's), who had 
suggested him as abundantly qualified to fill the position of 
missionary. Soon after the arrival of the family, Mrs. Buck 
found in the Church an old school friend (Mrs. Elizabeth V. 
Carr), and the renewed acquaintance lasted until her death 
in 1877. 

Mr. Buck was immediately recognized as a man of pure, 
sympathetic nature, fitted by grace for his especial work, — 



Central Congregational Church 235 

a christian friend and teacher. He soon won all hearts, and, 
while giving bread to the body, gave the " bread of life " to 
the soul. 

His office was open to every visitor, and he patiently listened 
to every appeal. The Chapel was the birthplace of many 
souls from the bondage of sin. His daily visits to the kinder- 
garten, held in another room, were greatly appreciated. 
Throughout the city he was familiarly known as Father Buck. 

His sunny nature made him a pleasant friend to meet, and 
the homes of all classes were gladdened by his words of sym- 
pathy and cheer, his love and charity. 

His unique originality made his mission one of the quaintest 
features of church work, and gave to it a reputation not unlike 
that of '' The Little Church Round the Corner," in New York 
City. 

President Dwight of Yale College and Mr. Buck were 
graduated from the college in 1849, and divided the honors of 
the class between them. 

In 1889, President Dwight invited the class to hold its 
reunion with him, and twenty-five of the fifty living members 
of a class numbering ninety-four, gathered at his hospitable 
mansion. Reports and letters from the absent were read, — 
those present reporting for themselves. The missionary from 
Fall River claimed prominence in but two directions, — first, 
that in college days he shared equally in a prize with the 
president of the university, and second that, although he had 
never held public office, still he had done more for one of the 
" United States " (and that the most populous) than probably 
any other member of the class, to wit, the " state of matri- 
mony"; for when he received the cordial invitation from 
President Dwight to attend the reunion, in his reply he had 
added, " I have just married my nine hundred and fifteenth 
-couple." 

Ten years later, at the fiftieth reunion of the class, President 
Dwight said to Mr. Buck, " You have accomplished more 



236 Personal Sketches 

GOOD than any other member of the class." And when he 
modestly disclaimed this tribute, Dr. Dwight replied, '' The 
president of Yale College always tells the truth." 

Feeling unequal to the varied and exacting duties of the 
work of his office, at the age of seventy-five — after thirty-two 
years of faithful service — he tendered his resignation; it was 
reluctantly accepted, but with the understanding that he 
serve the Church as " missionary emeritus " the remainder of 
his life, and that his salary be continued until his death. 

The period of his work covered the last two years of the 
pastorate of Dr. Thurston, and also those of Dr. Burnham, 
Dr. Mix, Rev. Wilham W. Jubb, and Rev. William A. Knight, 
and about one year of that of Dr. Clarence F. Swift. 

His health gradually failed, and on March 9, 1903, after a 
brief attack of pneumonia, his earthly tabernacle was laid 
aside and he entered into the joy of his Lord. The tolling of 
the bell of the Central Church carried the sad tidings of his 
death throughout the city. 

After a brief service at the house on March 12, the body 
was carried to the church, where it lay for the noon hour, and 
a multitude of people — fourteen hundred to fifteen hundred 
probably — looked upon the face of the man whom they 
revered and loved. '' Some who had attended the burial 
services of leaders of national renown said that they had never 
witnessed such a spontaneous outburst of love and gratitude 
as was manifested by the gatherings in Central Church and at 
Oak Grove Cemetery." 

The funeral services were conducted by Dr. Clarence F. 
Swift, pastor of the church, assisted by Dr. W. W. Adams and 
Dr. Eldridge Mix. At these services one of the tributes paid 
to his memory was as follows : 

God gave our brother richly of wisdom and knowledge; his joy was 
to share with others; God gave him richly of grace and righteousness; 
what life ever followed more closely the life of Him who went about 
doing good? 



Central Oongregational Church 237 

The following Scripture selections from Job 29: 11-16 were 
very appropriately read at the service : 

When the ear heard me, then it blessed me ; and when the eye saw 
me, it gave witness unto me : 

Because I delivered the poor that cried, the fatherless also, that 
had none to help him. 

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me : and I 
caused the widow^s heart to sing for joy. 

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me : my justice was as a robe 
and a diadem. 

I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. 

I was a father to the needy: and the cause of him I knew not; I 
searched out. 



238 Personal Sketches 



DEACONS 



Deacon Benjamin Earl 

Deacon Benjamin Earl, for forty years a deacon of the 
Central Congregational Church, died in office, April 5, 1884, 
in the seventy-fifth year of his age. His death resulted 
from a general breaking up of the system, after a most active 
business and pubUc Hfe. 

He was born in Taunton, August 7, 1809. His father died 
when he was but six years of age, leaving a widow and six 
children. He was carefully reared by his mother, received a 
conmion-school training, and at the age of fourteen, after a 
trial of the sea, became an apprentice to the wool-carding 
business in Taunton. 

In 1826, he came to Fall River, and entered the office of the 
Fall River Monitor, to learn the printing art. A few years 
later, he purchased the newspaper and printing office, and 
continued in it until 1838. Previous to this, he bought the 
local book and stationery business, which he conducted suc- 
cessfully until his decease. In the " Great Fire " of 1843, he 
lost his entire stock; but his good credit enabled him to con- 
tinue, and he was one of the first to occupy a store in the new 
'' Granite Block." 

Deacon Earl united with the First Congregational Church 
on profession of faith in 1836, and became one of the original 
members of the Central Congregational Church on its organiza- 
tion, November 16, 1842. 

In June, 1844, he was elected one of its first two deacons, 
and served in that capacity through life. He was in active 
service for thirty-three years, being present at every com- 
munion season save two, when he was detained, on one occa- 
sion by illness, and on the other by absence from town. 



Central Congregational Church 239 

The '^ golden wedding " of Deacon Earl and his wife, a 
granddaughter of Col. Joseph Durfee, the Revolutionary 
veteran, was celebrated in the parlors of the new Central 
Church, on December 2, 1880, when Mr. Earl made a happy 
response to an address of congratulation, and was made the 
recipient of many good wishes as well as elegant and costly 
tokens of esteem. Among these the most prominent, — a 
chaste and elegant memorial of the evejit, — the spontaneous 
offering of many friends, was a vase twelve inches high, of 
imique and beautiful design, made of solid silver, lined with 
gold, and bearing on one of its sides, the representation of a 
poppy flower and seeds, — emblem of quietude, — and on the 
other the following inscription: ^' Presented to Deacon and 
Mrs. Benjamin Earl, by members of the Central Church of 
Fall River, on the Fiftieth Anniversary of their Marriage, as 
a token of their Esteem and Affection, 1830— Dec. 2,-1880.'' 

It was a fine expression of the golden memories and affection 
cherished by the Church, which, in all its years of growth and 
progress, had made constant demands upon his wisdom and 
counsel, his zeal in good words and works, and now claimed 
the privilege of uniting with his home, in a more public way, 
of manifesting their interest, good-will, and fellowship. 

The young men of the Church on the same occasion marked 
their appreciation and friendship by presenting Deacon Earl 
with a fine gold-headed ebony cane, suitably engraved and 
inscribed. 

The following is taken from the annual report of the pastor 
and deacons for April, 1884 : 

Benjamin Earl: He was one of the original members of this Church. 
From the day of its formation until his death, he held in it the office 
of deacon. 

Who of you that knew him, knew his fidelity in the discharge of the 
duties of his office, knew his wisdom and sagacity in counsel, knew 
what a tower of strength he was in the times of trial and trouble 
through which the Church has passed, will not join with us in saying, 
He was one of its noblest pillars? 



240 Personal Sketches 

His last sickness was both protracted and painful, but he preserved 
the same calmness and serenity, the same patience and peacefulness, 
which had hitherto characterized his life, unto the last. 

Mrs. Nancy S. Earl, wife of Deacon Benjamin Earl, was 
one of the most active members in early church work. She 
was of happy disposition, and quick to respond to any demand 
made upon her. 

In those early days trained nurses were unknown, hence 
frequent calls were made upon the experienced mothers of the 
commimity in cases of illness, and much of this work fell to 
her care. 

Deacon and Mrs. Earl were in charge of the preparation for 
the communion service for about thirty-three years. 

Pleasant recollections of her devotion come to many who 
recall her cheerfulness, her sociability, and her hearty com- 
panionship. 

She died January 1, 1895, in the eighty-sixth year of her age. 

One who remembers her well, says, " In our younger days 
we used to so love to call on Mrs. Earl for a social afternoon 
and talk, or for advice and comfort; and now in our later life, 
we are again and again surprised at the sudden remembrance 
of some bit of wisdom or help or humor, gathered in those far- 
off days, but which have tinged our own lives and given to us 
holy and precious memories of this friend and confidante of 
our youth and inexperience. 



Du Nathan Duthc 

Dr. Nathan Durfee, the third child and eldest son of a 
family of nine children, was born June 18, 1799, in that part of 
the town of Freetown now called Fall River. 

His father was Charles Durfee; his mother, Welthe Hatha- 
way Durfee. Charles Durfee was a man of marked promi- 



Central Congregational Church 241 

nence in his day. He held the office of justice of the peace, 
which at that time was an office of great distinction. 

Nathan and another brother, Thomas, graduated from 
Brown University in Providence, R. I. (class of 1824). Thomas 
then went as the first home missionary to Missouri, where he 
died in 1833, aged only thirty-two years. Nathan studied 
medicine and received the degree of doctor of medicine at 
Harvard College. The practice of his profession not being 
to his taste, he soon abandoned it, and became identified with 
the manufacturing interests which Col. Richard Borden and 
others had aheady started. 

He erected the first brick building in the town, on the corner 
of Main and Central streets. 

He was especially fond of agricultural pursuits, bringing 
into a high state of cultivation rocky and swampy lands 
which seemed almost valueless. He identified himself with 
the broader interests of the county and state, became presi- 
dent of the Bristol County Agricultural Society, and was later 
one of the foremost organizers of the Bristol County Central 
Agricultural Society, and its president for many years. He 
was a trustee of the State Agricultural College at Amherst, and 
its treasurer for a time; he contributed largely to the institu- 
tion, both of time and money, and erected a plant house on its 
grounds, which bears his name. 

He was kind-hearted, benevolent, and greatly interested 
in the youth of the town, and was especially ready to help 
young men who were seeking an education. He was a great 
advocate of temperance, strong in his convictions, and fear- 
less in his censure of wrong-doing. 

As one of the seventy original members of the Central 
Church, he was ever loyal to its interests. He was elected a 
deacon, November 11, 1850, and served in that capacity to 
the end of his life. He was largely instrumental in the erec- 
tion of our first church building, and when the new church 
edifice was built, his name, with that of Col. Richard Borden, 



242 Personal Sketches 

was first on the list of subscribers to the building fund. He 
watched the construction with great interest, and was helpful 
to the committee in many ways, by his suggestions and 
practical experience. 

The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions 
and all departments of church work received his unfailing 
support. He was also public spirited, opening streets and 
avenues, giving them to the city and ornamenting them with 
shade trees. The trees lining both sides of Prospect Street, 
from Hanover to the entrance of Oak Grove Cemetery, he 
transplanted from his own premises situated at the head of 
Rock Street. 

April 29, 1827, Dr. Durfee was married to Miss Delana 
Borden. 

Mrs. Durfee was a queenly woman, of strong character- 
istics, careful in speech, wise in judgment, open hearted, loved 
and revered by all who knew her. She exerted great influence 
(always on the best side) ; was gentle and unobtrusive, and a 
felt power in her time. 

Their home was most attractive; the fine and spacious 
grounds, filled with trees, fruit, and flowers, were always open 
to the pubhc, and many a weary one entered, and while 
breathing in the pure air and beautiful sunshine, was rested 
and refreshed for the further duties of life. Mrs. Durfee died 
January 30, 1863, after a long and tedious illness. 

Dr. Durfee married a second time, Mrs. Mary Day Gladding, 
who survived him. He died April 6, 1876. 



Deacon Elijah G Kilbttrn 

Deacon Elijah C. Kilburn was born in Walpole, N. H., 
June 10, 1811. His early life was varied in experience. He 
was at one time a carpenter and contractor; at another a 




ELIJAH C. KILBURN 
Deacon, A.D. 1862-1884 



Central Congregational Church 243 

hotel keeper in Boston (1834-1837), and afterward a farmer 
in Walpole (1837-1846). He came to Fall River in 1847, and 
joined his brother, John Kilburn, who was already established 
in the machine business. Upon the death of his brother soon 
afterward, he entered into a partnership with Jonathan T. 
Lincohi, which later developed into the corporation known as 
Kilburn, Lincoln & Co. Its specialty at the first was the 
making of turbine water-wheels, but later of cotton machinery, 
especially the Kilburn-Lincoln loom, which was sold all over 
the country. 

Mr. Kilburn remained the head of the firm until 1867, 
when the King Philip Mills Corporation was formed, and he 
became its treasurer. At the time of his decease, he was a 
director in several Fall River mill corporations; was one of the 
original directors in the Second National Bank; and a trustee 
of the Fall River Five Cents Savings Bank, serving for the 
last ten years of his lifetime on its board of investment. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kilburn joined the Central Church by letters 
from the church in Walpole, in May, 1848, and very soon made 
their influence felt in the work of the Church. He was a 
member of the Standing Committee a number of years prior to 
his election as deacon, June 9, 1862 He was superintendent of 
the Sunday-school for several terms of service ; also treasurer 
of the Central Congregational society for a series of years. 

Deacon and Mrs. Kilburn assimied the preparation and care 
of the commimion service when relinquished by Deacon Earl 
and wife; their ministry continued imtil his decease, when it 
passed on to Deacon Charles J. Holmes and wife, who still 
discharge this responsible and sacred duty. Thus the service 
of the communion has been made the care of but three deacons 
and their wives during the entire organized life of the Church. 
Deacon Kilburn was a strong and consistent christian in life 
and practice. As a citizen, he was called upon by the com- 
munity to serve in numerous offices of trust and responsibiUty, 
both public and private. 



244 Personal Sketches 

His decease came after an illness of a few days only, on 
December 29, 1884. He married Miss Hannah T. Carter on 
September 24, 1835, who with two daughters and several 
grandchildren survived him. 

Mrs. Kilburn died January 14, 1900. 



Deacon Thomas F» Eddy 

Deacon Thomas F. Eddy was one of the best known, 
upright and respected of the business men of Fall River. He 
enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him or 
were brought into personal or social relations with him. 

He was a son of Jesse Eddy, elsewhere spoken of, who 
with his brother John established, in 1824, the " Satinet Fac- 
tory," which subsequently became known as the Wamsutta 
Steam "Woollen Mills. 

In 1849, soon after the removal of the works to their present 
site, on the Quequechan River, Mr. Eddy was taken into part- 
nership by his father, and for twenty-one years the business 
was conducted under the firm name of Jesse Eddy & Son. In 
1873, upon the decease of his father, the other brother, James 
C. Eddy, was taken into partnership, and the business was 
then conducted imder the firm name of Jesse Eddy's Sons. 
It greatly prospered, and many additions were made to the 
works, including mill buildings large in extent and equipped 
with all modern improvements. 

Fine woolens were the specialty of the firm's manufacture, 
and the firm name and trademark became a synonym and 
guarantee of the excellence of their product. 

Mr. Eddy so bore himself and so conducted his business at 
all times, as to win the respect and confidence of his business 
associates and to maintain unimpaired the high standing of 
his firm in the business commimity. 



Central Congregational Church 245 

Personally he was a man above reproach; his integrity was 
unquestioned, and his walk in life under a deeper burden of 
personal affliction than falls to the lot of most men was 
upright, patient, and uncomplaining. 

He took an active though not a selfish interest in public 
affairs; was a member of the Board of Aldermen in 1883; was 
president of the Second National Bank; a director in the 
Manufacturers' Insurance Company, and in several manufac- 
turing enterprises. 

His association with the Mission School from 1849 to 1886, 
almost the entire period as superintendent, has called for 
frequent mention in the preceding pages. He gave to the 
Mission his best life — his unwearied care and his heart's love 
so long as he lived; he has left a memory most precious and 
inspiring to all who knew him. 

He was the faithful scribe of Central Church for twenty- 
seven years (1853-1880). 

He died April 19, 1886, at the age of fifty-eight years, having 
been in failing health for about a year. At the funeral serv- 
ices his favorite hymn, " Hark! it is the Saviour's voice," was 
sung. His pastor. Dr. Mix, spoke of his character and 
unusual virtues; his w^ork in the Chiu-ch, in the Mission 
School, and in the community; his faithfulness in every trust 
imposed; his purity of life. It was well said " that all these 
elements of character so fully exemplified in Deacon Eddy, 
combined to make the man a perfect example to others." 

Mr. Eddy was married to Miss Marianna Coggeshall on 
November 28, 1854. She was for many years an invalid, 
and died a few years prior to Mr. Eddy's death. 



246 Personal Sketches 



PROMINENT MEMBERS 



Dr» Amefy Glazier 

Dr. Amery Glazier was one of our charter members. He 
was the only physician in the town for several years. He was 
a man dearly beloved and gladly welcomed on all occasions in 
our home as well as in public and social gatherings. He was 
gentle in his manner, genial, and very hospitable. He was 
a great organizer in church affairs, and a true christian in 
the fullest sense of the word. His name stood first on most 
of the committees appointed for church work, in its earliest 
years. 

He came here from Holland, Mass., in his early manhood. 

He married Miss Ann Chaloner Durfee, June 11, 1811. She 
was a daughter of Mrs. Welthe Durfee, who was one of the 
original members of the First Congregational Church formed in 
1816. Mrs. Glazier was a charter member of the Central 
Church. 

At that time, friends and neighbors shared the care of the 
sick, and Mrs. Glazier was especially active in this work. 

The doctor made his professional calls early on the Sabbath 
day, and then attended divine worship, being seldom absent 
at any church service on Sunday or week day. 

Mr. and Mrs. Glazier left five children, among them, Mrs. 
Henry H. Fish, who also spent most of her life among us, in 
active christian work and sympathy, in the home and in the 
parish. 

Dr. Glazier died in 1852 in this city. 



Central Congregational Church 247 

CoL Richard Borden 

Col. Richard Borden, as he was always called, was born 
April 12, 1795, in that part of Freetown which became Fall 
River in 1803. 

He married Miss Abby W. Durfee, February 22, 1825. 

Miss Durfee became a member of the First Congregational 
Church in 1817. Mr. Borden joined ten years later. 

They were among the earhest members in the organiza- 
tion of the Central Church, and together took a large and 
active part in all its work. 

Colonel Borden was endowed with a strong, healthy body, 
and a vigorous mind. He was planned by his Maker to 
bear heavy burdens and to assume great responsibilities. 
He was molded on no narrow scale. " He possessed a 
strong conscience, profound conviction of what was right, 
and a deep regard for obligations." He was prompt and 
persistent in what he considered right, a man of broad views, 
whose opinions on important questions were often sought, a 
man of commanding presence, of firm will, just to all persons, 
of warm sjmipathies and always ready to give relief. He 
sought to be lenient to others who did T\Tong, and to cover 
them with the broad mantle of charity, because, as he himself 
said, " God had forgiven him so much." 

His was a busy life. His head, his heart, and his purse were 
open to all good opportunities. Self-reliant and systematic, 
his influence was far-reaching. His motto in life was, " Freely 
ye have received, freely give." At his departure from this 
life, came letters from far distant lands saying, ^' Count me with 
the mourners," thus giving testimony to the broad and genial 
hospitality of his home. Such souls are too rare in every 
commimity. 

In the first year of the Central Church Society, 1843, Mr. 
Borden took an active part in our church building. He 
presented the church bell to the Society for the first meeting 



248 Personal Sketches 

house, the one which was removed to the new church edifice 
on Rock Street, and which to this day, calls together the 
worshiping assembly at the hour of service on each suc- 
ceeding Sabbath. In the last two years of his life, when 
imable to attend church, he always listened to its accus- 
tomed sound, asking, " Who responds to the call to church 
to-day ? '' 

He entered into all the departments of the church work with 
his whole heart, freely and boimtifully, as long as life lasted. 
He took the deepest interest in planning for the New Church 
edifice, for which he at once gave forty thousand dollars. He 
anticipated with great satisfaction the thought of going to 
this house of worship, but on May 27, 1872, he was laid aside 
from all active duty by a serious illness. His mind remained 
clear and he ever maintained his interest in all the plans and 
movements looking to the finishing and furnishing of this 
beautiful and commodious temple of God. 

He was a corporate member of the American Board of 
Commissioners for Foreign Missions, in which he was greatly 
esteemed for his wise counsels and liberal gifts. 

He was state senator for one year, and a member of the 
Massachusetts electoral college at the second election of 
Abraham Lincoln. 

From early fife Richard Borden was actively interested in 
the civil and political affairs of his coimtry. In yoimg man- 
hood he joined the local military company and was later 
promoted in office from step to step, until he became colonel 
of the Fifth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry. 

His patriotism during the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, 
developed into a most active interest in the care of the coun- 
try's noble defenders. At the close of the war, on a lot at the 
entrance to Oak Grove Cemetery, which by his suggestion the 
city had set apart for the burial of soldiers, he erected a 
monument to the memory of the men who had given their 
lives to preserve the union of the nation. On July 4, 1868, 



Central Congregational Church 249 

with appropriate exercises held on the ground, with music, 
prayer, and addresses by the Rev. P. B. Haughwout and 
Hon. John West all, Richard Borden presented this monument 
to the city. Mayor Fairbanks accepted the same in behalf of 
the city. He has also caused to be placed a suitable head- 
stone at each grave, as the soldiers have been laid to rest in 
the succeeding years. 

This noble man continued to bless the world till, on February 
24, 1874, he entered into the higher service of Heaven. 

His memory is precious. 

" By nature he was great, by grace he was good." 

Said Dr. Burnham at the funeral service, ^^ The favorite 
chapter of Richard Borden's closing days, and one which he 
often called for to be read to him, was the twelfth chapter of 
Romans.'^ '^ Sweet chapter — it touches the point exactly 
and tells the story, as I believe it," was his frequent comment. 

The impress of his life is here. His spirit awaits us in the 
glad future. ^' Though dead he yet speaketh of the powers 
of practical godliness and sturdy manhood." 

Mrs. Abby W. Borden, w^ife of Col. Richard Borden, was a 
strong woman, full of energy, resolute in action, keen in per- 
ception, faithful to duty. She entered with her husband into 
all the benevolent interests of our Church and city. She was 
a woman of exceptional ability, quiet in manner, cautious, 
looking upon both sides of a question before deciding upon it, 
and never wavering from her convictions. She loved life, and 
entered into all there was enjoyable in it. 

She w^as the first president of our Ladies' Foreign Missionary 
Society. Her home was a specially hospitable one to all mis- 
sionaries from foreign lands, as well as to home missionaries, 
several of them making quite a visit at once, and all meeting 
with a hearty welcome. '^ Many of the children of mission- 
aries, sent to this country to be educated, strangers, and home- 
less in a peculiar sense, have found in Mrs. Borden a mother 



250 Personal Sketches 

indeed. With many a one in our own city has she shared Hfe's 
burdens. Many of God's ministering servants have been 
ministered imto by her, and have gone from her home re- 
freshed and strengthened for hfe's labors; they are scattered 
here and there, far and wide through all the world; their 
remembrance of her gracious kindness is hke a benediction 
from heaven itself." 

She was president of our Soldiers' Aid Society during the 
Civil War. 

She was greatly interested in our new church building, and 
often said, " Build the spire so it will reach the sky." 

She zealously engaged in all the activities of the Church, and 
was a constant attendant on the Sabbath services and evening 
meetings, until a serious illness prevented. In March, 1889, 
at the age of eighty-six years, she passed to her brighter 
home above. 

Well can it be said of her, as Solomon said of a good woman: 

She riseth while yet it is night, and giveth meat to her household 
and a portion to her maidens. 

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth 
her hands to the needy. 



Jesse Eddy 



Jesse Eddy was a charter member of the Central Chiu"ch, 
and was especially active on the early committees made 
necessary by the new organization. He was a man of sound 
judgment, kind in disposition, just in his dealings with his 
fellow men, and conscientious and helpful in all religious 
associations and duties. His piety was not ostentatious, but 
it was none the less real. His seat was seldom vacant in the 
public and social gatherings of the Church. His share of service 
in the conference and prayer-meetings was marked by a 
devout christian spirit, breathing a benediction on his fellpw 




JESSE EDDY 



Central Congregational Church 251 

worshipers. He was an upright citizen, a good neighbor, 
an hospitable host. 

Jesse Eddy was born in Northbridge, Mass., in 1801, and 
with his brother John commenced the manufacturing of 
cotton warp in Fall River in 1834. As buyer and seller of the 
goods he constantly traveled throughout New England, and 
in some parts of the West. He was called to Boston once a 
week, and there being no pubhc conveyance, it was his custom 
to make the journey in his private carriage. The distance of 
fifty miles was covered in one day, and when dispatch made it 
necessary, the return was also made within the same twenty- 
four hours, relays of horses being furnished along the road. 
He was a true gentleman of the old school, gracious and 
urbane, in manner genial and courteous. His home was most 
hospitable, and one where all were made welcome. 

His sturdy character as a citizen and thorough integrity in 
all public relations were recognized, and he was called upon to 
fill many positions of responsibility. He and his brother, in 
the early days of manufacturing in Fall River, held many 
gatherings with their employees dm-ing the long winter even- 
ings, at which topics of the day were fully discussed. To 
this encouragement and kind companionship is doubtless 
due the fact that many of the men rose in subsequent years to 
honorable and responsible positions in life. 

Mr. Eddy was a man singularly unpretentious in his per- 
sonal relations, of generous, sjmipathetic, kindly bearing, a 
consistent and practical christian, one of the too rare exempli- 
fications of the truth that ^' he prayeth best, who loveth best 
all things, both great and small." 

Mrs. Sarah Paine Eddy, wife of Jesse Eddy, was one of the 
charter members of our Church. She was assistant superin- 
tendent of its Sabbath school for many years, active and 
interested in all the church work, the benevolent society, the 
prayer-meetings, and the social gatherings in the homes of the 



252 Personal Sketches 

parish. Strong in her own individuaUty, she exerted a power- 
ful influence in the fashioning of character and the hfe of 
the young people with whom she came in contact. 

Her home was one of cheerful piety; her hand ever ready for 
every deed; her heart full of sympathy for others, in their 
sorrows and their joys. She was a mother in Israel, before 
whom not only her own children, but many others, rose up and 
called her blessed. 



Henry H^ Fish 

Henry H. Fish was the son of Isaac and Sarah Barker Fish, 
and was born in Providence, R. I., June 5, 1807. His early 
education was in the schools of Providence, Wrentham, Mass., 
and Plainfield, Conn. He was a clerk in various mercantile 
establishments in his youth, but finally came to Fall River in 
1827, where he formed a partnership with W. H. Hawkins, and 
conducted a prosperous dry-goods business in the growing 
town. He was elected treasurer of the Fall River Savings 
Bank within a few years, and while holding this office was, in 
1836, elected cashier of the Fall River National Bank. He 
was associated with the business interests of the city for 
nearly forty years. 

He was much interested in music, and was largely instru- 
mental in forming the first military band, and in introducing 
the first organ; also in forming a society for the study and 
practice of church music. 

Mr. Fish possessed one of those rare and beautiful natures, 
in which the elements were so blended as to make up a singu- 
larly harmonious and symmetrical whole, — so harmonious 
and so symmetrical that he never gave the impression of 
possessing peculiar or unusual traits. Yet one who knew him 
long and intimately has said, after thoughtful retrospection, 
^' I don't remember that I ever saw a fault in Mr. Fish.^' 

His ser^dces to the Central Church cannot be overestimated. 



Central Congregational Church 253 

For eighteen years he presided at its organ and led and trained 
the choir; through winter's cold and summer's heat, he un- 
failingly and regularly gave his time and strength to rehearsals 
and services, without money and without price. 

This service was rendered with such cheerfulness, ability, 
and consecration, as to secure constant and utmost harmony 
in spirit among the singers, and a most acceptable and helpful 
contribution to this part of our public worship. 

The Church endeavored from tim.e to time and in various 
ways, by gifts and expressions of gratitude, to show its appre- 
ciation of the self-sacrifice and devotion of Mr. Fish, — but 
it has always reaUzed that it could never repay the debt it 
owed him. 

Mr. Fish lived his life and did his work in the most quiet and 
unassimiing spirit, — never shrinking from the performance 
of any duty nor failing to do it well. 

He was church treasurer for twenty-five years, resigning 
the office in 1867, because of absence from the city. 

In the Simday school, he was a valued and beloved teacher; 
in the prayer-meeting, his occasional prayers are remembered 
as remarkable for their humility and spirit of reverence; and in 
the sick-room and the house of mourning, his lovely spirit and 
warm sympathies made him a welcome and consoling visitor; 
his presence was often requested and often volimtarily given. 

He was a true lover of nature, and by his own taste 
and labor transformed an imcultivated waste into a fruitful 
orchard and a garden of flowers. 

The beauty and refinement of his nature was reflected in his 
face and expression, and all who saw him and heard him 
speak were drawn to him by his attractive personahty. Much 
of his charm came, doubtless, from the amiable and fine 
qualities which were his natural endowment; but none who 
knew him failed to recognize that the mainspring of his life 
and the source of his influence was his devotion to Christ, and 
that his almost ideal character was the fruit of that devotion. 



254 Personal Sketches 

His wife was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Amery Glazier^ 
who were among the charter members of our Church. 

Mrs. Eliza Ann Fish, wife of Henry H. Fish, was a 
woman of great intelhgence, refinement, and grace of manner; 
keenly appreciative of all beauty and nobility, not only in 
the material order, but in the realm of the spirit. 

She was a genial hostess, well read, and one who delighted 
to put into verse form, narratives of special events happening 
in the church or missionary gatherings, anniversaries, celebra- 
tions, etc. The Beneficent Society meetings often gave 
opportunity for the use of this gift, and our " Historical 
Sketches " afford apt illustrations of this talent of Mrs. Fish. 



Robert Knigfht Rcmingfton 

Coming to our city as a young lad, with his older brother 
Hale, from Providence, R. I., Robert K. Remington, a bright 
boy, full of fun, full of kindness to all, soon identified himself 
with the Central Chm^ch and Sabbath school. In those days, 
the city was quite small in population, and each knew the 
other so well that there seemed to be but one great family, 
each taking an active part with the others, in all matters of 
common interest. 

He became a christian in 1850, during one of the great 
revivals under Dr. Thurston, when so many of his friends and 
companions took their ^' stand for Jesus," and immediately 
he began his earnest, lifelong work in the cause of Christ. 

He developed nobly, and was called to fill many different 
offices in the Church and Society. It is well remembered by 
some, of this same brother who in after life was so prominent 
in all kinds of christian work, such as church, Sabbath school, 
evangehstic, temperance and Yoimg Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation, how, with fear and trembling, he responded to the 



Central Congregational Church 255 

call from our good Deacon Earl, to offer his first prayer in 
public in the small vestry of the old Central Church on Bedford 
Street. From that time, till the call came to " come up 
higher," he never faltered, but stood in his place, bearing 
testimony to the grace of God in his own case, and striving in 
all possible ways to bring others to '^ a knowledge of the truth 
as it is in Jesus." ^' They that be wise shall shine as the 
brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to 
righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." 

He became an honored man and a highly esteemed citizen, 
ready to take his own just part in all good work and works 
and with his whole being. " He grew as the flowers in the 
open field," strong, vigorous, helpful, active. 

His special work in the church was with the yoimg life, 
being superintendent of the Sabbath school for many years, — 
an office he filled with great acceptance at two several times, 
and for a series of years at each period of service. 

He was a born leader, full of life, ambition and action, 
strong, and with ever-widening influence and power. 

In his later years, he was specially identified with the 
Young Men's Christian Association, both at home, in the city, 
and in this and neighboring states. Jealous lest his Master 
should not be fully honored, he became a foremost leader in 
all its phases of work. His motto in life was, " Owe no man 
anything." He saw the bright side of life even in the midst of 
reverses. 

He was one of the committee of four gentlemen chosen to 
prepare plans and build our present church edifice, — taking 
a particular interest and as his share of work and responsi- 
bility, the decorations of the interior, the audience room, 
parlors, etc. He gave the greater part of his time to the de- 
tails of this work, and when he saw any design which he felt 
was not quite right, or lacking in proper effect, he insisted upon 
its reconstruction or improvement. He not only gave his 
time, but in other ways filled out the trust given him most 



256 Personal Sketches 

loyally and beneficently, his ambition being the making of a 
perfect building, a true and worthy " temple to the living 
God.'' 

The fine ^^ Jerusalem window " in the south parlor was the 
gift of Mr. Remington. He was broad spirited, and never 
tired in any undertaking, always finding a pleasant way out of 
unpleasant things. He was laid aside by a sudden and 
severe attack of pneumonia, which terminated fatally after 
only a week's illness. He entered into the Church Trium- 
phant, November 25, 1886, in the sixty-first year of his age. 
^' His beaming face, his joyous spirit, his mirthful moods, will 
long linger with us to brighten our faces in remembrance of 
him, though we are sad at heart over his loss." 

He married Miss Harriet M. Hill of this city for his first wife, 
who died December 12, 1848. He married, the second time, 
Miss EHzabeth A. Thatcher, of Middleboro, Mass., who with 
five children survived him. 

Mrs. Mary L. Whelpley Towle, of Napa, Cal., an old-time 
friend and former member of this Church, on hearing of Mr. 
Remington's death, gave expression to her thoughts in the 
following lines: 

irn /IDemoriam 

CROWNED 

A message borne across the land and sea, 

And fraught with kindly, tender sympathy, 

Came in the too-familiar, mournful way, 

" The friend you knew and loved is dead to-day." 

A touch of pain, — a little fall of tears, — 
And then a joy transcended all my fears ; 
I thought of his abundant entrance where 
He no more needs our poor, imperfect care. 

Then I went back to days and years agone, 
To his young manhood's bright, auspicious dawn ; 
When intuitions, born of love and truth. 
Deepened his yearnings at the fount of youth. 



Central Congregational Church 257 



A christian gentleman, of truest mold, 
I well remember him in days of old. 
A father of the fatherless was he, 
A brother in a sense most brotherly. 

How sweet the memory of the time, when we 
Caught the responsive tones of melody 
Breathed from his lips, and spirit all aflame 
With recognition of the '' Precious Name." 

Didst toll a knell for such a man as this 
Given an entrance into life and bliss? 
Didst cover him with a funereal pall. 
When heaven was his, and Christ his all in all? 

We think the lilies were his winding-sheet, 
No cross or crescent at his head or feet; 
Only a crown and pillow for his rest, 
The last and tenderest of love's behest. 

December 9, 1886. 



258 Personal Sketches 



SEXTONS 



Prince G* Hayden Edward A. Vandoorn 

These personal sketches would be incomplete without 
reference to two faithful servants of the Church, in the persons 
of Prince G. Hayden and Edward A. Vandoorn. 

As sextons and care-takers of the church property, their 
united service covers nearly half a century of church history. 

Prince G. Hayden was the sexton of the Old Church; and 
Edward A. Vandoorn, of the New Church. 

Mr. Hayden was a charter member of the Central Church, 
poor and himible, without great mental gifts, but strong in the 
faith. The Bible was to him a holy book; the church, a holy 
place, the very gate of heaven. It was a privilege to minister 
even in the humblest capacity in the house of God. 

Mr. Hayden was born in Nantucket, and acquired the neat 
and thrifty habits of that island people, celebrated for its 
sailors, its whale fisheries, and its strict sect of Quakers. 
Coming to Fall River, he very soon assumed the duties of 
sexton of the Old Church, which he held until his death, 
January 7, 1867, at the age of fifty-seven years. Not only did 
he perform his duties faithfully, but he developed a devout 
christian spirit, which manifested itself in the social meetings 
of the Church, and especially in private vocal prayer for his 
beloved Zion. The benches and corners of the " old vestry '^ 
oft echoed to his strong pleadings for spiritual guidance and 
for blessings on the Central Church. The pastor, at least, was 
encouraged and sustained by the faithful devotion of this 
pious soul. 

Soon after the death of Mr. Hayden, Mr. Edward A. Van- 
doorn was appointed sexton, and he served the remaining 
years in which the Old Church was occupied, and for a quarter 



Central Congregational Church 259 

century at the New Church. His faihng health and strength 
then obHged hun to retire from active service^ but not to yield 
his interest in the Church and people, nor to be forgotten by 
them. The Church Society voted him a small annual pension 
for his remaining days, and, on his eightieth birthday, a sum 
of money was presented to him from remembering friends. 

These tokens of appreciation have lifted the burdens of old 
age, brightened his thought and conversation, and cheered 
his decHning days. 



SUPPLEMENT 



History of Central Church 



Official Record and Related Papers 



At the regular monthly business meetmg of the Central Church, 
held on Monday evening, June 13, 1904, the subject of a Church 
History was discussed, and on motion, it was 

Voted, To appoint a committee to consider the matter, and if 
deemed expedient to gather material for a Church History. 

The chairman appointed Mrs. WiUiam Carr, Mrs. Eli Thurston, and 
Mrs. Charles J. Holmes as the committee. 



Annttal Church Meeting:^ April t7, J 905 

Report of Committee on Church History 
The committee, Mrs. Elizabeth V. Carr, INIrs. Julia A. Thurston, 
and Mrs. Charles J. Holmes, appointed by vote of the Church on 
June 13, 1904, to prepare a sketch or history of the Church for the first 
sixty years of its existence, submit a report of progress. 

They have called in such assistance as seemed necessary; have had 
the cordial cooperation of many interested persons; have diligently 
scrutinized the Church and local records; have selected much in- 
teresting material; and have drafted many articles, biographical 
sketches, narratives, incidents, etc. They have had frequent meetings, 
held many interviews for the acquisition of knowledge, and already 
have much of the sketch in hand and nearly ready for the printer. 

The committee ask instruction as to the extent of its powers, — 
such as authority to print, to secure portraits, illustrations, etc., the 
methods of pro\'iding for the expense of the work, the size of the edi- 
tion, and the plan of circulation or distribution. 

In behalf of the committee. 
Fall River, AprU 17, 1905. ^^''- E"zabeth V. Carr. 

The report was read and accepted. On motion, 

Voted, That the Committee on Church History have full power to 
proceed with the work in such manner as shall seem to it best; to 
secure a guarantee fund for publication, by subscription or donation as 
it may be able; and to pro\'ide for the sale and distribution of the 
edition. 



264 Suppleme7it 

Comment: It is expected that this work will be done without 
expense to the Church or Society, it being largely of individual interest 
at present, though of great importance and value for ecclesiastical 
archives in the future. 



Circwlar 

Publication Fund for Central Church History 

Fall River, Mass., June 6, 1905. 
To 

The committee on the " History of the Central Church, 1842-1905," 
have about completed their labors. They have spent nearly a year in 
reviewing a great mass of records, reports, and other material, and feel 
that they have compiled a very valuable and interesting volume. It 
will be amply illustrated with portraits and views, the plates of which 
alone will cost nearly one hundred dollars. The next question con- 
fronting them is as to the Cost of printing the book. They estimate 
that they will want from eight hundred to a thousand dollars, for an 
edition of from three hundred to five hundred copies. 

They are debarred by the " vote of the Church '' from applying to 
the Church or Society for the funds ; they see no other way open, there- 
fore, but to solicit VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS to pay for the work. 
Especially is this desirable, as they wish to make only a nominal 
selling price for the book, that all may have the privilege of owning a 
a copy. 

This fund for publication should be secured at once, before the 
summer vacation. 

It will greatly relieve the anxieties of the committee to know how 
the work is to be paid for ; and the answers will also indicate whether 
the volume is of sufficient interest to the members of the congregation 
to secure its publication as prepared by the committee. 

Will you kindly consider this matter, make as liberal a gift as you 
may judge necessary and proper, and notify C. J. Holmes, treasurer of 
the fund, on or before June 20, of your answer. 
Very respectfully, 

Mrs. Elizabeth V. Carr, 
Mrs. Julia A. Thurston, 
Mrs. Charles J. Holmes, 

Committee. 



Central Congregational Church 



265 



Subscribers to Publication Fund, June, J 905 



Abbe, Alanson J. 
Adam, ^Mrs. Dorcas J. 
Anthony, Mrs. Arthur 
Baker, Charles A. 
Barker, IMrs. Edith M. 
Batt, William M. 
Bamford, Mrs. Mary L. 
Ball, Mrs. Ellen 
Blake, Mrs. Leslie 
Borden, Andrew 
Borden, Miss Anna H. 
Borden, Mrs. Bertha V. 
Borden, Miss Caroline 
Borden, Miss Carrie L. 
Borden, Mrs. Charles A. 
Borden, Charles N. 
Borden, Edward P. 
Borden, J. Edgar 
Borden, Mrs. Mary E. 
Borden, Matthew C. D. 
Borden, Richard B. 
Borden, Richard P. 
Bowen, Joseph A. 
Bowers, ^Irs. Mary A. 
Brady, James 

Brady, James (for C. B. D.) 
Bray ton, John B. 
Brigham, George S. 
Brigham, James W. 
BroT\Ti, Eugene M. 
Brown, Louise G. 
Buck, Augustus W. 
Buck, The Misses 
Capen, Miss Ella M. 
Carr, Mrs. William 
Chapin, Daniel A. 
Chapin, Herbert 
Chase, Simeon B. 
Cook, Miss Sarah A. 



Corey, Miss Harriet M. 
Cornell, Mrs. Emma C. 
Davenport, Mrs. Jessie A. 
Da\4son, ]\Irs. Mary A. 
Davol, Mrs. Bradford D. 
Deane, John M. 
Dow, Albert F. 
Durfee, Holder B. 
Durfee, Xathan 
Earl, Benjamin B. 
Earl, Henry H. 
Earl, Newton R. 
Fielden, John S. C. 
Fuller, Elisha 
Gage, John P. 
Gamble, Mrs. Eliza 
Gardner, Mrs. Nellie B. 
Graham, Charles S. 
Greene, John 
Greenhalgh, Mrs. Jane B. 
Hamilton, Arthur M. 
Harley, Miss Esther B. 
Harrison, Mrs. Mary 
Hathaway, Edward E. 
Hicks, IVIiss Maria R. 
Hills, George H. 
Holmes, Miss Anna C. 
Holmes, Mrs. Anna S. 
Holmes, Charles J. 
Holmes, Miss Mary L. 
Jackson, James F. 
Jennings, Mrs. Annie B. 
Jennings, Edward B. 
Lathrop, George 0. 
Lincoln, Arba N. 
Lindsey, Mrs. Annie E. 
Marshall, James 
Marshall, Robert 
Martin, James M. 



266 



Supplement 



Martin, James M., Jr. 
Marvell, Edward I. 
Marvell, Edward T. 
McCreery, Thomas H. 
McLeod, Mrs. George W. 
Mercer, Mrs. Agnes C. 
Moulton, Louis E. 
Nickerson, Sylvanus 
Osborn, James E. 
Pearce, Earl F. 
Rasmussen, Neils 
Remington, C. V. S. 



Remington, Mrs. Robert K. 
Roberts, Miss Harriet A. 
Sears, Mrs. Georgianna 
Sharpies, William E. 
Simister, William H. 
Subscriber 
Sykes, Mrs. Betsey 
Thomas, Wm. F. 
Walmsley, Mrs. Robinson 
Wells, Charles H. 
Young, Elmer B. 
Young, John M. 



Important Dates 

Church organized ....... November J 6, X842 

Society organized . January 20, J 843 

First church edifice dedicated April 24, 1844 

Present church edifice dedicated .... December 13^ 1875 

Chapel first occupied ♦.♦..♦. January 17, 1892 



Pastors 

Rev. Samuel Washburn, 

April 24, 1844 — January 2, 1849. 

Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D., 

March 21, 1849 — December 20, 1869. 

Rev. Michael Burnham, D.D., 

October 25, 1870 — April 30, 1882. 

Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D., 

September 27, 1882 — May 16, 1890. 

Rev. William Walker Jubb, 

September 29, 1891 — September 29, 1896. 

Rev. William Allen Knight, 

October 20, 1897 — January 3, 1902. 

Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., 

July 16, 1902 — 



Rev. Edwin A. Buck, Missionary, 
December 1, 1867 — March 9, 1903. 




CENTRAL CHURCH, FALL RIVER, MASS. 
First Edifice, Erected A.D. 1 843-1 844 



Drawn from Sketches and Suggestions 
By GEORGE DARLING, Architect 



[No Known Picture or View 
IS IN Existence] 



Central Congregational Church 267 

Parish Directory, May J, 1905 



Officers of Church and Society, 1905- i906 

Pastor, Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., 

339 Lincoln Avenue. 

Pastor's Assistant, Mrs. Mary H. Smith, 

303 High Street. 



Associate Workers 

Rev. Edward Scribner Cobb, 

Mrs. Florence Brooks Cobb, 

Niigata, Japan. 



Deacons 






Charles J. Holmes, 


Term expires 1909 


Charles A. Baker, 


1908 


Henry H. Earl, 




1907 


George 0. Lathrop, 




1906 


Newton R. Earl, 




1906 


James W. Brigham, 




1908 


Wilfred D. Fellows, 




1907 


Clinton V. S. Remington, 




1909 



Standing Committee 

The Pastor, the Deacons, the Superintendent of the Bible School, the 
Church Clerk, Andrew Borden, and Charles H. Wells. 

Church Clerk, Walter E. Dow, 92 New Boston Road. 
Church Treasurer, Richard B. Borden, 511 Rock Street. 

Relief Committee 

Mrs. Charles J. Holmes, Chairman 
Mrs. Charles A. Baker, Miss Abby B. Wrightington, Mrs. William H. 
Jennings, Mrs. D. H. Cornell, Miss Maria R. Hicks, Mrs. George 
W. Smith. 



268 Supplement 

Missionary Committee 

The Pastor, and Richard B. Borden, Charles J. Holmes, Henry H. 
Earl, Clinton V. S. Remington, Newton R. Earl, John H. Boone, 
John F. Hamlet, Thomas S. Lang, Mrs. A. J. Abbe, Mrs. C. F. 
Swift, Mrs. J. F. Jackson, Mrs. G. S. Brigham, Miss Barbara G. 
Thompson, Miss Carrie L. Borden. 

Music Committee 
George H. Hills, James E. Osborn, Andrew Borden. 

Ushers 
Walter E. Dow, Chairman 
Elmer B. Young, Walter C. Hadley, George W. Hargraves, M. Hart- 
well Adams, Eugene M. Brown, Stanley Towle, Clarence H. Hop- 
kinson, Harold M. Barker. 



Ladies' Beneficent Society 

President, Mrs. Albert F. Dow. 
Vice-President, Mrs. Abner P. Davol. 
Secretary, Mrs. James F. Jackson. 
Treasurer, Miss Maria R. Hicks. 



Woman's (Union) Forei§:n Missionary Society 

President, Mrs. George S. Eddy (Central Church). 
Vice-President, Mrs. G. Frank Allen (First). 
Treasurer, Mrs. John H. Gilford (First) . 
Recording Secretary, Mrs. A. J. Abbe (Central). 
Corresponding Secretary, Miss Lyman (Fowler). 



Senior Willing: Helpers 

President, Marion R. Thomas (Central). 
Vice-President, Elizabeth C. Osborn (Central). 
Treasurer, Annie R. Hills (Central). 
Secretary, Gladys Sears (Central). 



Central Congregational Church 269 

Junior Willingf Helpers 

Directors, Edith Hawes (First), Florence French (First), Mrs. Fred 

Lawson (Fowler). 
Treasurer, Hazel A. Bray ton (First) . 
Secretary, Helen G. McKay (Central) . 



The Society- 
Assessors 
Charles E. Fisher, Chairman 
Elmer B. Young, Albert F. Dow, James W. Brigham, 

Richard P. Borden. 
Treasurer, James W. Brigham, 545 Walnut Street. 



Choir 

Organist and Musical Director 
Thomas Vincent Walkden 

Sopranos 
Miss Mabel E. Lewis, Miss Gertrude Redfearn, Mrs. Agnes Bradshaw, 
Miss Ada Livingstone, Miss LiUian Twigg, Mrs. Ethel R. D. Eddy, 
Miss Clara Anderton. 

Altos 
Miss Fanny H. Learned, Miss Gertrude O. Thorpe, Mrs. Fannie B. 
Spence, Miss Ellen Whittaker, Miss Martha Garlick. 

Tenors 
Messrs. William Lang, David Redfearn, Francis D. Livingstone, Paul 
J. Smithson. 

Basses 
Messrs. Wilfred Drogue, Robert H. Chace, Harry C. Sykes, Thomas 
S. Lang, Albert Bradshaw, Joseph Ratcliffe, Arthur Daniel, 
Gustavus B. Spence, Thomas S. MacKnight. 



Janitor, James Savory, 849 Locust Street. 



270 Supplement 

The Bible School 

Superintendent, Clinton V. S. Remington. 

Assistants 
George 0. Lathrop, Miss Abby B. Wrightington. 

Supervisors 
Mrs. Bertha Vella Borden. 
Miss Barbara G. Thompson. 
Charles E. Fisher. 
James F. Jackson. 
Miss Anna H. Borden. 
Miss M. EUzabeth McClintock. 
Mrs. Mary H. Smith. 

Historian, Mrs. A. J. Abbe. 
Secretary, Benjamin B. Earl. 
Treasurer, John P. Gage. 

Librarians 
Charles N. Borden, George W. Hargraves. 

Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class 
Leaders _ 
Charles A. Baker, 
Mrs. Elizabeth V. Carr, Mrs. Charles A. Baker, 

Mrs. Joseph A. Bo wen. 



Young: PeopIc^s Society of Christian Endeavor 

President, Thomas S. Lang. 
Vice-President, Edith E. Chace. 
Secretary, Ethel Redfearn. 
Treasurer, Albert M. Chace. 



Chinese Society of Christian Endeavor 

President, Miss M. Elizabeth McClintock. 
Secretary, Miss Adelaide B. AVhipp. 



Central Congregational Church 271 

Services of the Church 

Sunday 

10.30 o'clock — Morning Worship. 
12.00 „ — Bible School. 

2.30 „ — Fathers and Mothers' Bible Qass. 

6.00 „ — Y. P. S. C. E. 

7.00 „ — Evening Worship. 

Thursday 
7.45 o'clock — Midweek Ser\dce. 



Sacraments 



The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, with reception of new 
members, the first Sunday of October, January, March, and May, 
and the third Sundav of June. 



272 



Supplement 



Schedule of Annual Offerings^ April, J 905 

Congregational Sunday-School and Publishing Society . . . June 
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions . October 

American Missionary Association December 

Congregational Education Society January 

Congregational Home Missionary Society February 

Congregational Church Building Society March 

Easter Sunday: Union Hospital April 

Thanksgiving: Children's Home November 



Membership in Decades and Semi-Decades at the 
Annual Meetings in April 





Males 


Females 


Total 


1842 


25 


45 


70 


1852 


71 


125 


196 


1862 


82 


150 


232 


1872 


123 


182 


305 


1882 


175 


292 


467 


1892 


175 


348 


523 


1897 


185 


352 


537 


1902 


208 


405 


613 


1905 


195 


383 


578 



Issues of Church Manuals and Parish Directories 

Edition of 1845, Manual and Lists. 

looo, ,, ,, ,, 

1863, „ „ ,, 
1871, „ ,, „ 
1874, „ „ „ 
1882, Members only. 
1884, Manual only. 
1892, Members only. 
1898, Parish Directory. 
1901, Parish Manual. 
1905, Parish Directory. 



Central Congrego.tional Church 



273 



Deacons to June J, 1905 





Membership 


Elected 


Retired 


Benjamin Earl, 


1842-1884 


June 17, 1844 


April 5, 1884=^ 


Orrin P. Gilbert, 


1843-1849 


June 17, 1844 


Feb. 12, 1849 


Joseph A. Crane, 


1844-1860 


Sept. 13, 1847 


May 26, 1860 


Josiah W. Peet, 


1850-1885 


Xov. 11, 1850 


Sept. 13, 1875 


Xathan Durfee, 


1842-1876 


Xov. 11, 1850 


April 6, 1876* 


EHjah C. Kilbum, 


1848-1884 


Jime 9, 1862 


Dec. 29, 1884* 


S. Angler Chace, 


1842-1900 


June 9, 1862 


April 23, 1877 


Thomas F. Eddy, 


1850-1886 


June S, 1874 


AprH 19, 1886* 


Chas. J. Hohnes, 


1857- 


April 23, 1877 


In office 


Matthew Armstrong, 


1863-1899 


Xov. 18, 1875 


April 20, 1885 


Chas. A. Baker, 


1859- 


April 20, 1885 


In office 


Thos. J. Borden, 


1850-1902 


April 20, 1885 


AprH 20, 1891 


George 0. Lathrop, 


1874- 


April 29, 1886 


In office 


Henry H. Earl, 


1863- 


April 27, 1891 


In office 


Xewton R. Earl, 


1855- 


Sept. 18, 1902 


In office 


Thomas J. Borden, 


1850-1902 


Sept. 18, 1902 


Xov. 21, 1902* 


James W. Brigham, 


1879- 


Sept. 18, 1902 


In office 


Wilfred D. FeUows, 


1897- 


Sept. 25, 1902 


In office 


C. V. S. Remmgton, 


1850- 


April 20, 1903 


In office 




[* Died ir 


1 office] 




Treasurers to 


June \, J905 








Elected 


Retired 


Henry Woodward, 


Nov. 22, 1842 


April 6, 1843 


Henry H. Fish, 


April 6, 1843 


April 15, 1867 


Richard B. Borden, 


April 15, 1867 


In office 




Scribes to June \, J905 








Elected 


Retired 


S. Angler Chace. 


Nov. 22, 1842 


AprU 20, 1846 


Jos. A. Crane, 


April 20, 1846 


AprH 14, 1853 


Thos. F. Eddy, 


AprH 14, 1853 


April 19, 1880 


Geo. 0. Lathrop, 


April 19, 1880 


April 17, 1893 


James W. Brigham, 


April 17, 1893 


AprH 15, 1901 


Walter E. Dow, 


April 15, 1901 


In office 



274 



Supplement 



Central G>ng:regatfonal Society 



Cittks 





Elected 


Retired 


Charles C. Dillingham, 


Jan. 20, 1843 


April 16, 1851 


Benjamm Earl, 


April 16, 1851 


April 20, 1859 


Charles J. Holmes, 


April 20, 1859 


April 23, 1869 


Newton R. Earl, 


April 23, 1869 


AprU 21, 1875 


Charles Durfee, 


April 21, 1875 


April 25, 1884 


Clinton V. S. Remington 


April 25, 1884 


April 21, 1886 


Edward T. Marvell, 


April 21, 1886 


AprU 12, 1901 


James W. Brigham, 


April 12, 1901 
Treasurers 


In office 




Elected 


Retired 


Edward S. Chase, 


Jan. 20, 1843 


April 27, 1843 


Henry H. Fish, 


April 27, 1843 


April 24, 1851 


Benjamin Earl, 


April 24, 1851 


April 21, 1853 


Hale Remington, 


April 21, 1853 


April 24, 1856 


Samuel B. Hussey, 


April 24, 1856 


April 24, 1857 


Elijah C. Kilburn, 


April 24, 1857 


April 15, 1874 


Alphonso S. Covel, 


April 15, 1874 


April 29, 1878 


Henry H. Earl, 


April 29, 1878 


April 20, 1888 


Edward T. Marvell, 


April 20, 1888 


April 12, 1901 


James W. Brigham, 


April 12, 1901 


In office 


Sunday-School Superintendents with Dates of Service 


1843. 


Orrin P. Gilbert. 




1846. 


Frederic A. Fiske. 




1847. 


Dr. Nathan Durfee. 




1848. 


Benjamin Earl. 




1850. 


Joseph A. Crane. 




1852. 


Samuel B. Hussey. 




1854. 


S. Angier Chace. 




1859. 


Charles J. Holmes. 




1859. 


Thomas J. Borden. 




1861. 


S. Angier Chace. 




1865. 


Elijah C. Kilburn. 




1867. 


Robert K. Remington. 





Central Congregational Church 275 

1870-71. John E. HiUs. 

1871-76. Robert K. Remington. 

1876-80. Henry H. Earl. 

1880-83. Charles E, Fisher. 

1883-84. George 0. Lathrop. 

1884-87. Edward T. MarveU. 

1887-89. Clinton V. S. Remington. 

1889-89. Andrew Borden. 

1889-90. Henry H. Earl. 

1890-92. Charles E. Fisher. 

1892-98. Clinton V. S. Remington. 

1898-01. Wilfred D. Fellows. 

1901- . Clmton V. S. Remington. 

[Note. — Missing dates are not obtainable from the records.] 



Form of Deed of Pews 

Adopted, May, A.D. 1844 
First Church Edifice 
Know all men by these presents, 

That the Central Congregational Society, in Fall River, County of 
Bristol and State of Massachusetts, b}^ , 

all of Fall River aforesaid, Agents of said Corporation, for this purpose 
duly authorized by a vote passed at a legal meeting of said Society, 
held , in consideration of the sum of Dollars, 

to said Corporation paid by , 

of said Fall River, before the delivery of this deed, the receipt whereof 
is hereby acknowledged, have, and by these presents do give, grant, 
sell and convey unto the said 

the PEW numbered 
on the floor of the Central CongTegational Meeting House, erected by 
said Society, and situated in said Fall River, on the corner of Bedford 
and Rock streets, together with all the pri^^ileges and appurtenances to 
the same Pew belonging. 

To have and to hold the Pew aforesaid, with the pri\nleges and 
appurtenances thereof, unto the said 
heirs and assigns, unto the sole use and behoof of the said 

heirs and assigns forever ; — excepting as follows : 

First. The Pulpit in said Meeting Hoxise shall be supplied with such ministers 
as the members of the chiirch "vvorshiping therein shall elect, from time to time 
so long as they maintain their present faith and order. 



276 Supplement 

Second. This deed shall entitle no one to any privileges in any private meet- 
ings which are designed for the benefit of the members of said Church ex- 
clusively. 

Third. No person holding a pew by virtue of this deed shall have the right 
or privilege of altering said pew unless authorized by said Corporation, — or of 
injuring, disfiguring or destroying the same. 

Fourth. All alterations in the pews of said house shall be subject to the 
exclusive control of said Corporation, at legal meetings called for that purpose. 

Fifth. The pew or pews held by virtue of this deed shall be used exclusively 
for religious purposes. 

Sixth. The expenses of all repairs in, upon, or about said House and Lot, 
including painting, purchasing anew the fixtures, or furniture, and of insurance 
against fire, shall be subject to a tax assessed upon, and paid by the owners of 
pews, according to the valuation thereof before the sale. 

Seventh. Said Meeting House shall at all times be under the immediate care 
of the assessors or standing committee of the corporation for the time being, by 
whose direction the same shall be opened and closed at all meetings of public 
or private worship, meetings of business of the church, corporation, benevolent 
societies thereto belonging, and meetings for improvement in sacred music. 

And the said Corporation by their Committee, do hereby covenant 
with the said 

heirs and assigns, that until the deUverj^ hereof, they are the lawful 
owners of said Pew , and have good right and lawful authority to sell 
and dispose of the same. 

In Testimony Whereof, The said Corporation have caused its cor- 
porate name and seal to be hereunto affixed by its said Agents or 
Committee for executing deeds, and the names of said Committee to be 
thereunder written, the 
day of A.D. 184 



Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of 

By 



^Committee 

of said 
[Society for 
Executing 
Deeds. 



Bristol, ss. A.D. 184 . — Then personally appeared 

the above-named 

as Committee for executing deeds for the Central Congregational 
Society aforesaid, and acknowledged the foregoing instrument by them 
subscribed, to be the free act and deed of said Society, before me, 

Justice of the Peace. 



Central Congregational Church 277 

The Confession of Faith and Covenant, A.D, J 845 



FORM OF ADMISSION 

Addeess 

Beloved Friends: You have presented yourselves before God and 
this assembly, to make a solemn confession of your religious faith, and 
to take upon yourselves everlasting obligations. We trust that you 
have duly considered the nature of the professions you are now to 
make, and of the engagements into which you are about to enter. 
They are of the most solemn import, but if you come with sincere 
desire to be the Lord's, and exercise humble faith in him, he wiU 
impart to you grace and wisdom, and finally make you partakers of 
eternal blessedness. 

Attend now to the Confession of Faith. 

COXFESSION OF FaITH 

You beUeve in one God — the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — a 
being of perfect and adorable attributes, the Creator, Preserver,, and 
Governor of the Universe. 

You believe that the Scriptures of the Old and Xew Testaments were 
given by inspiration of God, and are the only perfect rule of faith and 
practice. 

You beUeve that all mankind are sinners in the sight of God, and 
destitute of true holiness, until renewed by gi'ace. 

You believe hi the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by his sufi'erings and 
death, has made an atonement for the sins of the world, and trust in his 
merits as your only ground of hope for salvation. 

You believe in the Holy Ghost as the promised Comforter, and rely 
impHcitly on his agency to renew and sanctify your heart and fit you 
for heaven. 

You believe that in this world the Lord Jesus Christ has established a 
\usible church, which He, as its supreme Head, sustains bj^ the manifold 
operations of His Spirit — through the means of His Word, His 
Ministr}', His Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and all 
the forms of public and private worship. 

You believe that there wiU be a resurrection both of the just and the 
unjust: that aU mankind must one day stand before the judgment 



278 Supplement 

seat of Christ to receive a just, final, and everlasting award according 
to the deeds done in the body. 

All these things you truly profess and heartily believe. [Ordinance 
of Baptism to be administered.] 

You will now enter into covenant with God and with this Church. 

Covenant 

In the presence of God and this assembly, you do now solemnly 
avouch the Lord Jehovah, — Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be your 
God, the supreme object of your affections and your portion forever. 
You cheerfully devote yourselves to Him, in the everlasting covenant 
of His grace, consecrating all your powers and faculties to his service 
and glory; and you engage that through the assistance of His Spirit, 
you will cleave to Him as your chief good, that you will give diligent 
attendance to His word and ordinances, that you will seek the honor 
and interest of his kingdom, and that henceforth, denying all ungodli- 
ness and every worldly lust, you will live soberly, righteously, and 
godly in the world. 

This you profess and engage. [Here the members of the Church 
will rise.] 

In consequence of these professions, we (the members of this 
Church) affectionately receive you to our communion, and in the 
name of Christ declare you entitled to all its privileges. We welcome 
you to this fellowship with us in the blessings of the gospel, and on 
our part engage to watch over you in love and seek your spiritual 
good, so long as you shall continue among us. And now, beloved in 
the Lord, let it never be forgotten that you have come under solemn 
obligations from which you cannot escape. Wherever you go, these 
vows will be upon you. The Lord guide and preserve you till death, 
and at last receive you and us to that blessed world where our love and 
joy shall be forever perfect. Amen. 



Central Congregational Church 279 



Manual of the Central Congregational Church 
Fall River, A.D. 1884 



STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE 

We believe in the Father, and in Jesus Christ, His Son, and in the 
Holy Ghost, as the one Uving and true God. 

We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the 
Word of God, and our only rule of faith and life. 

We believe in the sinfulness of all mankind by nature and practice. 

We believe in the salvation provided by God, and freely offered to all 
men in and through Christ Jesus, as the only way of deliverance from 
sin and its penalty. 

We believe in the renewing and sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost 
as the only source of spiritual life and growth. 

We believe in the final redemption of those, whom the Father, by 
His Spnit, leads to trust in Christ as their Saviour. 

We believe in the church of Christ, and in its Sacraments, Baptism,^ 
and the Lord's Supper, as of divine institution and authority. 

We believe in the resurrection, and in a general judgment, when a 
final separation will be made between the righteous and the wicked, 
the former to enter into everlasting life, and the latter to go away 
into everlasting punishment. 

In common with the great body of evangelical churches, this Church 
regards the foregoing statements of doctrine, as the teaching of the 
Scriptures, and accepts them as the expression of its doctrinal belief. 

But we desire to administer this Church under the rule, and in the 
spirit of Christ; and to receive to membership, on confession of Him, 
those who give credible evidence of a new life, and of substantial 
agreement with us in doctrine. We have therefore adopted the follow- 
ing form for the admission of members : 

FORM OF ADMISSION 

[The candidates shall present themselves before the pulpit, where they shall be met 
by the minister, who may repeat one or more of the following sentences of the Holy 
Scripture:] 

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give 
you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for I am meek 



280 Supplement 

and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my 
yoke is easy, and my bui'den is light. Matt. 11 : 28-30. 

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let 
him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come. And he that 
will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22 : 17. 

If thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt be- 
lieve in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou 
shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteous- 
ness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 
Rom. 10:9,10. 

[The minister shall then address the candidates as follows :] 

You have presented yourselves, dear friends, in this holy place, to 
confess the Lord Jesus Christ, and to enter into covenant with this 
branch of His Church. You take this step at the Master's bidding, 
trusting that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the 
day of Jesus Christ. 

Confession of Faith 

You believe in the Scriptm*es of the Old and New Testaments as the 
word of God, and take them to be your only authoritative rule of 
faith and practice. 

You acknowledge the one living and true God, who is revealed in the 
Scriptures, as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to be your 
Father, your Saviour, and your Sanctifier. 

Humbly repenting of your sins, and trusting in the Lord Jesus 
Christ for pardon and acceptance with God, you rest all your hope of 
salvation upon His atoning sacrifice in your behalf. 

You recognize the necessity of a divine renewal, and you believe that 
the Holy Spirit has wrought this good work in you. 

In seeking this personal connection with the Church of Christ, you 
acknowledge that its ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, 
together with a devout observance of the Lord's Day, are Christ's 
most loving requirement of you. 

Is this your confession? 

[ [Those who have received household baptism are then addressed as follows:] 

Having been baptized in your childhood, you do now take upon 
yourself the obligations recognized in your baptism, and by this your 
voluntary act, renew the consecration of yourself to God. The God 
of all grace, who hath called you unto His eternal glory by Christ 
Jesus, confirm you unto the end that you may be blameless in the day 
of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 



Central Congregational Church 281 

[Those about to be baptized are addressed as follows, after which the ordinance will 
be administered:] 

Acknowledging the divine authority of Christian Baptism, you 
now receive it as the sign of the washing of regeneration, which you 
trust has been wrought in you by the Holy Spirit, and as a seal of your 
covenant with God. 

Covenant 

And now you, who make this confession, do heartily and unreserv- 
edly surrender yourselves to God, in the everlasting covenant of His 
grace, consecrating all your faculties and powers and possessions to 
His service and glory. And you promise, that through the assistance 
of His Spirit, by faith in Christ, you will cleave to Him as your chief 
good; that you will give diHgent attention to His word and to His 
ordinances, such as prayer in secret, prayer in the family, and the 
worship of His House, both public and social ; that you will seek in all 
things the honor and interest of His kingdom; and that henceforth 
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, you will live soberly, and 
righteously, and godly in this present world. 

Is this your covenants 

[Here those to be received by letter will, with those admitted on confession of faith, 
unite in the following covenant with the Chiirch:] 

You solemnly promise to walk with this Church, in a spirit of for- 
bearance and brotherly kindness, attending its worship, partaking its 
fellowship, upholding its government, sharing its support, avoiding 
everything which may bring reproach upon its honor, and striving to 
do all in your power by an earnest christian life, and by faithful co- 
operation with its members, to promote its purity, peace, and prosperity. 

Do you thus covenant with us f 

Response of the Church 

[The Church will rise and repeat:] 

We, the members of this Church, do most affectionately receive you 
to our communion. We own you, from this hour, our kindred in 
Christ. We break with you the bread, and drink with you the cup, 
at the table of the Lord, in token of our recognition of your membership 
with us in the Household of Faith. We give you glad welcome to all 
the ordinances and privileges of this House of God. We pledge to you 
all that Christian fellowship, helpfulness and cooperation which you 
have promised to us. 

[The nainister shall say while giving each one the right hand of fellowship :] 

Beloved in the Lord, ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but 
ye are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, 



282 Supplement 

being built upon the foundations of the Apostles and Prophets, Christ 
Jesus Himself being the chief corner stone. 

[The minister and Church will repeat :] 

For this cause, we bow our knees unto the Father, from whom every 
family in Heaven and on Earth is named, that He would grant you 
according unto the riches of His glory; that you may be strengthened 
with power through His Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may 
dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you being rooted and 
grounded in love, may be strong to apprehend, with all the saints, 
what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth, and to know 
the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you may be filled 
unto all the fullness of God. 

Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that 
we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him 
be the glory in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, unto all generations 
forever and ever. 

I Believe in God, the Father Almighty, 

Maker of heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, 

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 

Born of the Virgin Mary, 

Suffered under Pontius Pilate, 

Was crucified, dead and buried. 

The third day he rose from the dead, ^. 

He ascended into heaven. 

And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. 

From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I Believe in the Holy Ghost : 

The holy Catholic Church ; the communion of saints ; 

The forgiveness of sins ; 

The resurrection of the body; 

And the life everlasting. Amen. 

BAPTISMAL SERVICE 

[Read or chant Mark 10: 13-17.] 

And they brought unto Him little children, that He should touch 
them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it. He 
was moved with indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little 
children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the king- 
dom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the 



Central Congregational Church 28S 

kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. And 
He took them in his arms, and blessed them^ laying His hands upon 
them. 

You have heard how the blessed Lord said in the days of His flesh, 
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of 
such is the kingdom of God, and therefore, although childi^en be unable 
to take upon themselves the vows of the Lord, it is both our duty and 
privilege to bring them unto Him, and present them for baptism, even 
as under the law of Moses, our Lord Himself was presented for cir- 
cumcision, in order that they may receive the seal of the covenant, and 
be admitted in Christ's name into the fold of His Church. 

i 

Covenant 

You, who now present your children, to receive upon them the seal 
of God's covenant, confess yourselves behevers in the verity and the 
continuance of His promise to His children, to be a Father to them, 
and to their seed after them. You covenant, on your part, in the 
presence of God, and of these witnesses, to train these childi'en, whom 
He hath given you, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; to 
instruct them in the knowledge of all divine truth, as you may have 
opportunity, but especially in the way of salvation through Jesus 
Christ ; to walk before them daily, as God may give j^ou grace, in the 
exemplification of the christian life; to seek, as your chief end con- 
cerning them, their renewal of heart, and their salvation through 
Christ Jesus; and to labor in all ways, with devout and prayerful 
endeavor, to prepare them to accomplish God's will on earth, and to 
enter His Home of glory above. 

Do you thus promise? 

[The minister then announcing the name of each child, •will say:] 

I baptize thee into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

[After baptism prayer is offered by the minister, and another chant is siing by the 
choir, as the parents withdraw.] 

Note, — The name of the child, together with the date of its birth and the names 
of its parents, should be given to the minister in writing. 



284 Supplement 



Form of Admission with Confession and 
Covenant, A^D* 1903 



FORM OF ADMISSION 

All who are to he received come forward as their names are read, those 
who unite on confession standing, those who unite by letter being seated. 

" What doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love 
mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? " Micah 6:8. 

" Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all 
thy soul, and with all thy mind." 

" Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Matthew 22: 37, 39. 

" I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of 
God unto salvation to every one that belie veth." Romans 1 : 16. 

''With the heart man belie veth unto righteousness; and with the 
mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10: 10. 

Dearly Beloved : 

Because you believe that it is a part of the duty and the privilege 
of a true christian life to give public witness to one's faith, you have 
come to-day to declare that you are a follower of Christ and that you 
desire to be received into covenant relations with his Church. We 
rejoice with you in your faith and purpose, and welcome you to our 
Church on the basis of your acceptance of our Confession and Covenant 
to which we ask you now to give your cordial assent. 

Confession of Faith 

I believe that God is my loving Heavenly Father, and that He has 
sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to reveal His character and His will, and to 
redeem humanity from sin. 

Believing that I have been led by the Holy Spirit, I accept Jesus 
Christ as my Saviour, my Teacher, my Example. 

I accept the Bible as the record of God's revelation of His will. 

I declare it to be my purpose, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be 
conscientious in regard to prayer and the study of the Bible, and to 
make the teachings of the Bible, especially as revealed in the life and 
words of Jesus Christ, the final standard for my faith ; for my conduct 
in all business and social relations ; and in my personal life. 



Central Congregational Church 285 

Do you accept this statement as expressing your present faith and 

irpose? 

Response: I do. 



Baptism 

You who now, for the first time, enter into covenant with the 
Church of Christ, do receive baptism, as the token of the new life 
wrought in you by the Holy Spirit, and as the sign of your purpose to 
be forever the Lord's. 

The. candidate kneeling, baptism is here administered with these words: 

I baptize thee into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Spirit. 

To those who were baptized in childhood the pastor will say: 

You who were baptized in childhood do accept for yourselves, as 
your own free act, the seal of baptism, to which faith and love brought 
you. 

Response: We do. 

The pasto7' greets those who bring letters from other churches with these 
words: 

Beloved in the Lord, who come to renew the vows, and the declara- 
tion of faith in Christ, which you have made elsewhere, we bid you 
welcome. We greet you as kinsmen in Him, and fellow-laborers in 
His service, and fellow-travelers to His promised rest. 

We now ask you all to assent to the following 

Covenant 

I declare it to be my purpose to be loyal to the interests of the Central 
Congregational Church as long as I am a member of it. I promise 
that — to the extent of my ability — I will conscientiously cooperate 
in sustaining its worship and its ordinances by my attendance and 
fellowship ; in upholding its good name by a careful christian life ; and 
in forwarding its work by my sympathy and financial support. 

Do you enter cordially into this covenant? 

Response: I do. 

The Church rises and repeats: 

We, the members of the Central Congregational Church, do most 
affectionately receive you into our communion, and renew, with you, 
our covenant. We break with you the bread, and drink with you the 
cup, at the table of the Lord, in token of our recognition of your mem- 
bership with us in this household of faith. We give you welcome to 
all the duties, and all the privileges of this house of God. We pledge 



286 Supplement 

to you that same loyalty and fellowship and helpfulness which you 
have promised to us. 

The pastor here extends the right hand of fellowship, after which all 
will repeat together: 

'' For this cause we bow our knees unto the Father, from whom 
every family in heaven and on earth is named, that He would grant 
you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened 
with power through His Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may 
dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted 
and grounded in love, may be strong to apprehend, with all the saints, 
what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the 
love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled with all 
the fulness of God. 

" Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all 
that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto 
Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations 
for ever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3: 14-21. 



Central Congregational Church 287 

[REPRINT] 

ORDER OF EXERCISES 

AT THE 

LAYING OF THE CORNERSTONE 

NEW CHURCH EDIFICE 

FALL RIVER, JULY 22, 1874 



1. — SiNGixG By the Congregation 

Lord of hosts ! to thee we raise 
Here a house of prayer and praise : 
Thou thy people's hearts prepare, 
Here to meet for praise and prayer. 

Let the hving here be fed 
With thy word, the heavenly bread: 
Here, in hope of glory blest, 
May the dead be laid to rest. 

Here to thee a temple stand, 
While the sea shall gird the land: 
Here reveal thy mercy sure. 
While the sun and moon endure. 

Hallelujah! — earth and sky 

To the joyful sound reply: 

Hallelujah! hence ascend 

Prayer and praise tiU time shaU end. 

2. — Prayer By the Pastor, Rev. M. Btjrnham 

3. — Reading of the Scriptures. 

4. — Report of the Building Committee, 

By Thomas J. Borden, Chairman 



288 Supplement 

5. — Singing. 

God of the universe, to thee 

This sacred fane we rear, 
And now, with songs and bended knee, 

Invoke thy presence here. 

Long may this echoing dome resound 

The praises of thy name. 
These hallowed walls to all around 

The triune God proclaim. 

Here let thy love, thy presence dwell ; 

Thy glory here make known ; 
Thy people's home, oh, come and fill. 

And seal it as thine own. 

And when the last long Sabbath morn 

Upon the just shall rise. 
May all who own thee here be borne 

To mansions in the skies. 

6. — Address By the Pastor 

7. — Singing. 

Christ is our Cornerstone ; 

On him alone we build; 
With his true saints alone 

The courts of heaven are filled : 
On his great love our hopes we place, 
Of present grace and joys above. 

Oh, then, with hymns of praise 

These hallowed courts shall ring ! 
Our voices we will raise. 

The Three in One to sing ; 
And thus proclaim in joyful song, 
Both loud and long, that glorious Name. 

Here may we gain from heaven 

The grace which we implore, 
And may that grace, once given. 

Be with us evermore, — 
Until that day when all the blest 
To endless rest are called away. 



Oentral Congregational Church 289 

8. — Laying the Cornerstone 

By the Senior Deacons, Benjamin Earl, Dr. Nathan Durfee. 

9. — Prayer by Rev. W. W. Adams, of First Congregational Church. 

10. — doxology. 

Singing under the direction of Charles Durfee. 

Lyman W. Deane, Organist. 



290 Supplement 



[REPRINT] 

ORDER OF EXERCISES 

AT THE 

DEDICATION OF THE NEW CHURCH EDIFICE 

FALL RIVER, DECEMBER 13, 1875 



Organ Voluntary. 

Anthem, " Praise the Lord " Mozart 

Choir. 

Invocation Rev. Thatcher Thayer, D.D. 

Response, " Ponder My Words, Lord " Haydn 

Choir. 

Reading of the Scriptures Rev. W. W. Adams, D.D. 

Hymn 1030 By the Congregation 

Christ is our Cornerstone ; 

On him alone we build ; 
With his true saints alone 

The courts of heaven are filled : 
On his great love our hopes we place, 
Of present grace and joys above. 

Oh, then, with hymns of praise 

These hallowed courts shall ring! 
Our voices we will raise, 

The Three in One to sing; 
And thus proclaim in joyful song, 
Both loud and long, that glorious Name. 

Here, gracious God, do thou 

Forevermore draw nigh; 
Accept each faithful vow. 

And mark each suppliant sigh ; 
In copious shower, on all who pray, 
Each holy day, thy blessings pour. 



Central Congregational Church 291 

Here may we gain from heaven 

The grace which we implore, 
And may that gTace, once given, 

Be with us evermore, — 
Until that day when all the blest 
To endless rest are called away. 

Sermon Rev. R. S. Stores, D.D., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Hymx 1016 By the Coxgregatiox 

Oh, bow thine ear, Eternal One ! 

On thee our heart adoring calls; 
To thee, the followers of thy Son 

Have raised, and now devote these walls. 

Here let thy holy days be kept ; 

And be this place to worship given. 
Like that bright spot where Jacob slept, 

The house of God, the gate of heaven. 

Here may thine honor dwell ; and here, 
As incense, let thy children's prayer, 

From contrite hearts and lips sincere, 
Rise on the still and holy air. 

Here be thy praise devoutly sung ; 

Here let thy truth beam forth to save. 
As when, of old, thy Spirit hung. 

On wings of light, o'er Jordan's wave. 

And when the lips, that with thy name 

Ai'e vocal now, to dust shall turn, 
On others may devotion's flame 

Be kindled here and purely burn ! 

Dedicatory Prayer by the Pastor Rev. M. Burnham 

Anthem, " How Beautiful are Thy Dwellings " Leach 

Choir. 
doxology. 

Benediction. 



292 Supplement 

CHURCH FORMED NOVEMBER 16, 1842 
First Church Edifice Built, 1844 



First Pastor Second Pastor 

Rev. Samuel Washburn Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D, 

Present Pastor 
Rev. Michael Burnham 



"I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. 
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of 
HOSTS. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than 
OF the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place 
WILL I GIVE PEACE, SAITH THE LoRD OF HOSTS." — Hag gal 2 : 7-10. 



Central Congregational Church 293 



[reprint] 

OUR CHURCH MESSENGER 



CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

Cor. Rock and Franklin Streets 
Fall River, Mass. 



Rev. William Allen Knight, Pastor. Residence, 87 School Street. 

Rev. Edwin A. Buck, Parish Missionary. Residence, 114 Prospect 
Street. 

Rev. Geobge W. Hinman. Foreign Missionary, Residence, Shaowu, 
China. 



Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness.' 



Week of Fehtu&ty t2-i% tS99 

OuK Church Messenger. — Its mission is to free the pulpit from 
announcements; to reach the whole parish with messages and items 
about our church life; to preserve matters of interest for reference. 
Put notices into the box at the cloister door or send them to Miss 
N. Evelyn Buck, 114 Prospect St., not later than Thursday evening. 
Chester D. Borden, Business Manager. 



Regular Meetings 

Sunday — Public Worship at 10.30 a.m., in the auditorium. 

Bible Schools: 9.15 at the Mission; 12.05 in the Chapel 
and church. 

Chinese C. E. Society at 1 p.m., in the North Parlor. 

Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class at 2.30 in the Mission. 

Y. M. C. A. meeting at 4 p.m., in Music Hall. 

Preaching Service at 5.45 p.m., at the Mission. 

Y. P. S. C. E. meeting at 6 o'clock in the Chapel. 

General Preaching Service at 7 o'clock in the auditorium. 
Tuesday — Prayer-Meeting at 7.30 at the Mission. 
Wednesday — Junior C. E. Society at 4.30 p.m., in the South Parlor. 
Thursday — The General Prayer-Meeting at 7.45 p.m. in the Chapel. 
Friday — Temperance Meeting at 7.45 p.m. at the Mission. 



294 Supplement 

Particulars 

Home Missionary Collection will be taken at the close of the morning 
service. 

Rible school lesson topic is " Christ's Divine Authority." John 
5: 17-27. 

Y. M. C. A. have a special service for men in the Music Hall. All 
men are welcome. 

Y. P. S. C. E. have their missionary meeting this evening. Subject, 
*' A Missionary Church." Acts 13: 1-12. 

Wednesday, the Juniors will meet in the Chapel. Topic, " What 
lesson can we learn from Christ's boyhood?" Luke 2 : 40-52. 

Wednesday evening at 7.45 the cantata entitled ''The Happy ■ 
Family of Father Time," will be given by the Mission School Primary 
Department in the church chapel. 

Thursday evening, in the general prayer and conference meeting, we 
will have a missionary concert on " Ceylon, the Key to India." 

Friday. Monthly social supper at 6.30. 



Pastor's Page 

Our missionaries have reached China. The clerk's annual report 
for the national year book is reassuring. Central Church received 56 
new members in 1898. We lost 5 by letter, 7 by death. We gave 
$1,275 to foreign missions. We gave $3,280 to home missions. This 
does not include the salary of our parish missionary. We gave $84 to 
the Educational Society. We gave $77 to the Church Building Society. 
We gave $513 to the American Missionary Association. We gave $117 
to the Sunday-School Society. We gave $2,047 to other christian and 
philanthropic work. We gave, in all, to benevolence, $7,492. Our 
parish expenses were about $10,000. The clerk reports that 450 
families looked to the pastor for ministry. We are glad he has reached 
a definite conclusion. Pastor's 'phone, 255-3. 

Speak with Mr. Walter E. Dow concerning the Home Department 
of the Bible School. 

Next Sunday evening Mr. DeMotte, of the Y. M. C. A. lecture course, 
will speak in our general service. 

It was a furious night, but a fine cottage meeting was held Wednes- 
day evening. Next Wednesday, at 7.30 p.m., another will be held at 
405 Warren Street. Be there, brethren of the neighborhood. 



Central Congregational Church 295 

Dr. Clark who speaks to-day, is at the head of our National Home 
Missionary Society. He knows a thousand and one things of interest 
to us. Meet him and ask him anything you would like to know 
about. 

Twenty-seven dollars and fifty cents have gone this week from Central 
Church to the support of the Chinese missionary for New England ; S5 
from the Senior Endeavor Society, SIO from the Chinese Society; the 
remainder was indi\'idual. 

A dehghtful letter has just come from ^liss Yeomans of Fiske de- 
scribing how the contents of our recent box were utihzed. We wish 
the whole Church could hear it. It will be read Friday afternoon or 
evening; perhaps at the supper table. It would be a good condiment. 

Special. — The February social supper comes next Friday evening 
at 6.30. About 7.45 an entertainment will begin in the Chapel, a 
genuine Old Folks' Concert. That word genuine tells the whole story. 
The suppers are excellent, the fellowship is hearty, the attendance is 
large, the old folks' concert will be — genuine. Parishioner, it is all 
for you. The women meet for work at two o'clock. 

Sunday morning, March 5, is the next opportunity for being re- 
ceived into church fellowship. Next Thursday evening is the regular 
conference meeting for those who are thinking of coming into member- 
ship. We want you to come; you who desire to live the Christian life; 
Christ wants you to come ; it is his method to bring his followers into 
companies. Now, will you not decide the matter and come? We re- 
ceive either bv church letter or by confession of Christ as Lord. 



First Hiamaa Letter from Asiatic Soil 

On a beautiful picture-postal card, the following arrived this week: 

YoKOHAiiA, January 16, 1899. 
After a week and a haK of very stormy weather, culminating in 
a gale of extreme \^olence for one day, we reached Yokohama this 
morning, four and a half days late. We suffered very little from sea- 
sickness; and have to-day enjoyed a pleasant ride about town in 
jinrikishas. It is a beautiful place. With kindest regards, 

George W. Hinman. 

To-night at seven o'clock we shall have a twenty-five minute song 
service, familiarizing ourselves with the choice songs in the new service 
book. Then we will have a twenty-minute sermon, lea^Tag time for a 



296 Supplement 

fifteen-minute after-meeting in the South Parlor. It will be a good 
meeting if the night is bad and there are only 200 present, but it will be 
still better if the night is good and twice that number are present. 
What say you who are able to come regardless of weather, to a good 
hearty gathering to-night? Will you help by being there? Take your 
nap before you come, for you will not find this meeting a good place for 
that. So, come to enjoy it. 

The pastor notes with pleasure the regular attendance in our gen- 
eral services of brethren from the Armenian department of our Bible 
School. Some of the most regular are not members of this Church; but 
they are welcome to our fellowship. With the excellent workers who 
have recently joined the teachers in this department, our Church may 
feel confident concerning the ministry afforded these Christians from a 
New Testament land. 

The first anniversary of our Chinese Endeavor Society was held 
last Sunday. It began with two active and two associate members. 
The present membership is fifteen. The average attendance for the 
year is twenty-five; the total contributions $38.69, of which $13 went 
to help build a church in Nam Tsin, China, and $17 towards the support 
of Mr. and Mrs. Hinman at Shaowu. The attendance of members has 
been 16^ per cent higher than that of the banner society of the Fall 
River district. The society has enrolled now, and intends to win the 
banner. The members attend our public services regularly. 

Our assistant in the Pleasant Street Mission, Mr. J. B. Richardson, 
has been called to be pastor's assistant in the Thirtj^'-fourth Street 
Reformed Church of New York. The call was so pressing that his 
engagement was dated from February 1, with the request that he come 
at once. Our Standing Committee therefore granted his request for 
immediate release, and he went to New York on Thursday. Mr. PJch- 
ardson said in his letter of resignation: " The years here have been 
years of great joy, and will simply be invaluable to me in my future 
life.'' The Church Committee gave a testimonial to the pastor, Rev. 
John H. Elliott, closing: " He has been earnest, faithful, and efficient, 
giving evidence of personal Christian experience and growth, as well as 
of love for the cause in which he is steadily growing in adaptation and 
resources." The new position affords a large increase of salary, and all 
in all is such that the many among us who will miss him, may rejoice 
in the marked advantages in his life work which the change affords. 
His duties at the Mission will be divided among good lay workers of our 
Church. 



Central Congregational Church 297 

[reprint] 

OUR CHURCH MESSENGER 



CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

Cor. Rock and Franklin Streets 

Fall River, Mass. 



Rev. William Allen KNiaHT, Pastor. Residence, 87 School Street. 

Rev. Edwin A. Buck, Missionary Emeritus. Residence, 114 Prospect 
Street. 

Rev. GEORaE W. Hinman, Foreign Missionary. Residence, Foochow, 
China. 

" Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness.'" 



Week of May 7-H, iS99 

Regular Meetings 

Sunday — Public Worship at 10.30 a.m., in the auditorium. 

Bible Schools: 9.15 at the Mission; 12.05 in the Chapel 
and church. 

Chinese C. E. Society at 1 p.m., in the North Parlor. 

Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class at 2.30 in the Mission. 

Y. M. C. A. meeting at 4 p.m., in the Gjminasium on Pine 
Street. 

Preaching Service at 6.00 p.m., at the Mission. 

Y. P. S. C. E. meeting at 6.30 o'clock in the Chapel. 

General Preaching Service at 7.30 in the auditorium. 

Tuesday — Prayer-Meeting at 7.45 at the Mission. 

Wednesday — Junior C. E. Society at 4.30 p.m., in the South Parlor. 

Thursday — The General Prayer-Meeting at 7.45 p.m., in the 
Chapel. 

These Meetings are for all. A cordial welcome to all, in Christ's name. 



Particulars 

The Lord's Supper will be administered at the close of the morning 
service. 

Bible school lesson is found in John 15: 1-11. Subject, " The Vine 
and the Branches." 



298 Supplement 

The Y. M. C. A. meeting, held in the gymnasium, will be addressed 
by Mr. C. V. S. Remington. 

Y. P. S. C. E. topic, found in Rom. 2: 1-11, is " Patient Continuance 
in Well-doing." 

The Juniors' question to be answered Wednesday is, " What are 
some little talents to be used for Christ? " Matt. 25 : 14-30. Business 
meeting. 

Thursday is the regular missionary meeting. 

Friday evening is the Church Committee meeting. 



Pastor's Page 
'phone 255-3 

An interesting letter from Mr. and Mrs. Hinman comes as the 
" Messenger " goes to press. It will be read in the monthly missionary 
meeting next Thursday evening. 

Will pew-holders kindly remember on coming into the morning serv- 
ice, to mention to the ushers that they can welcome one or more in 
their pew for that service? It will prove a helpful habit. 

The topic Thursday evening is, '' Oiu" new national possessions and 
what American churches are preparing to do for their betterment." 
Several men who have kept informed on these movements will speak. 

The new Executive Committee of the Men's League consists of the 
officers, Wm. M. Batt, Thomas R. Whipp, and Benjamin B. Earl, to- 
gether with Walter C. Hadley, Samuel Smith, M. Hartwell Adams, 
and George S. Brigham. 

According to a vote of the last church meeting, the committee for 
visitation of the sick and needy was enlarged by two members, Mrs. 
D. H. Cornell and Mrs. George Congdon being chosen to this very 
important committee. 

The General Association of the Congregational churches of Massa- 
chusetts holds the ninety-seventh annual meeting in the First Church 
of Brockton, May 16-18. Can you not manage to take in something 
of this occasion? Speak with any of the deacons or the pastor if 
you are thinking about trying to do so. 

Kasper Asadoorian and Asadoor Garabedian, who took church letters 
from this Church some time ago on returning to their native land 
(Armenia, Turkey), lost their letters in the outrages then perpetrated in 
that country. Having returned to this city, they were by vote of 
the Church last Monday evening restored to full membership here. 



Central Congregational Church 299 

To-night we shall have a service for all to have part, prepared and 
printed for this evening service. The pastor's short address will be on 
" Henry Drummond and Rudyard Kipling — two young men and 
their strange religious might." Two or three Sunday evenings will be 
thus occupied under the auspices of the Men's League. Of course you, 
know how much good it does for you to be there. We do our part the 
best we can. If you want to see this meeting effective these May even- 
ings, will you come and join in the short, carefully prepared service? 

" Will you not give us a few words, some time, on when not to give?" 
said an earnest parishioner a little while ago. It has become necessary 
to say that solicitors who come in at random, about whom we know 
nothing, whose credentials are signed by men we do not know, are not 
men to whom we can safely give. Most of us have learned to our 
sorrow the worthlessness of recommendations as a rule, even from men 
whose names we know. A man has been soliciting funds lately, giving 
the impression that the pastor had sent him. The pastor never saw 
the fellow nor heard of him before. We hope our people will not give 
to men without authoritative credentials. 

To-day the Sunday school so long held in the Mission building meets 
for the last time in those rooms of blessed memories. Naturally we all 
feel the sadness of such a " last time." But let us each and all set our 
faces cheerfully, joyously, toward the good days that are before, with 
deep gratitude to the Father in heaven for the long years of His loving 
kindness in the old Mission building. In the beautiful Chapel of 
Central Church, the morning school will keep classes and teachers to- 
gether, and much of the life which has centered in the Mission building 
can go on just the same. The Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class is 
already happily planning to enjoy the Bible-class room in the Chapel. 
Their first meeting there is held to-day. The kindergarten, with its 
group of children appealing to any onlooker's heart, has been provided 
for, temporarily, in a public-school building recently sold. Mr. Buck 
will have his desk and office hours in the room of the Chapel by the 
Rock Street entrance. He has planned with the Church Committee to 
confer there with all who wish to see him, and to aid as he has so long 
done, in the visitation of our members, so many of whom he knows as a 
father. So, all in all, everything is completely provided for, and from 
this week onward we move forward with the activities which for a 
generation we have maintained on Pleasant Street, consolidated with 
the activities centering in the home church. Surely, God who knows 
our hearts will lead us to the large achievements which this combina- 
tion of forces prepares us to attain in the days that are before. 



300 Supplement 

[reprint] 

** Here let no man be stranger ^'^ 



THE CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 
FALL RIVER, MASS. 



Week be§:innin§: October 25, 1903 

Central Church extends a cordial welcome to every stranger who 
enters its doors. 

If you are here for a day only, the pastor will be glad to meet you. 
May you take with you, from the service, new strength and purpose for 
the duties of the week. 

If you are to make your home in the city, we shall be glad to number 
you among the regular attendants at our services. Kindly give your 
name and address to one of the ushers, or better still, tarry for a 
moment at the close of the service that the pastor may have an oppor- 
tunity to meet you. 

Pastor, CLARENCE F. SWIFT, D.D. 

Residence, 339 Lincoln Avenue. 

Telephone, Bell 735-3. 

Hours at the Chapel, Thursday, 2.30 to 5.30. 

Pastor's Assistant, Mrs. Mary H. Smith. 
' Residence, 303 High Street. 

Telephone, Bell 481-22. 
Hours at the Chapel, Saturday, 2 to 5. 
Church Telephone, Bell 618-2. 

Mr. James W. Brigham, treasurer of the Society, will be in the South 
Parlor before and after the morning service, and will be glad to confer 
with any persons for their accommodation with sittings in the church. 



Sunday Services 

10.30. Morning Worship. 

Organ — " Chorale Prelude." Deshayes 

Doxology. 

Invocation and Lord's Prayer. 

Anthem — " There is a blessed home." Marks 



Central Congregational Church 301 

Responsive Reading. 

Gloria. 

Scripture — 1 Thess. 5: 1-28. 

Hymn 311 — '' Nearer, my God, to thee." 

Prayer. 

Response — " The sacrifices of God." 

Offering. 

Prayer of Consecration. 

Sermon — " God, our Redeemer." 1 Thess. 5: 9. 

Hymn 257 — " Come, said Jesus' sacred voice." 

Benediction. 

Organ — " Prayer." Wagner 

7.00. Evening Worship. 

Organ — (a) " Offertory in A." Batiste 

(6) "Adagio." Dunham 

Beatitudes. (Congregation standing.) 
Prayer. 
Response. 

Hymn 332. (Congregation seated.) 
Scripture. 

Anthem — " Sing Alleluia forth." Buck 

Offertory — " Lied." Wolstenholme 

Prayer of Consecration. 

Solo and Chorus — '' Jesus, Saviour, I am thine." Steane 

Hjnm 625 — " O Paradise, Paradise." 

Sermon — " The Average Man and his Recreation." Mark 6:31. 
Quartet — " Nearer, my God." Schilling 

Benediction. 
Organ — Postlude. Dunham 

9.15. Morning Bible School. 

12.05. Noon Bible School. Lesson for to-day — " The Blessing of 

Forgiveness." Psalm 32. 
1.10. Chinese C. E. Society in the North Parlor. 
2.30. Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class in the Chapel. 
3.00. Y. M. C. A. Boys' Meeting. 
4.00. Y. M. C. A. Men's Meeting. Address by Albert L. Blair of 

Boston. Subject — " The Citizen King." Music by First Baptist 

Church Quartet. 
8.00. Y. P. S. C. E. in the South Parlor. Topic: " What the Bible 

Teaches about Giving." 2 Cor. 9: 6-11; 8: 23, 24. (Missions.) 



302 Supplement 

During the Week 

MONDAY 

7.00 P.M. Y. M. C. A. Bible Study Classes at the Association 
Rooms. At 6.30 supper is served for 10 cents to those who desire it. 
These classes are open to all men, whether members of the Association 
or not. 

WEDNESDAY 

The Central Church is the host, this week Wednesday, for the 
Taunton Conference. Sessions are to be held at 9.45 a.m. and 1.15 p.m. 
The theme for consideration is " The Sunday Service," various phases 
of which are to be presented and discussed. Albert F. Dow and 
Henry H. Earl are the elected delegates from our Church. 

The Woman's Home Missionary Association will hold its Twenty- 
fourth Annual Meeting in Park Street Church, Boston, on Wednesday, 
October 28, 1903, at 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Annual reports will be 
read, and the election of officers will take place. Mrs. Margaret Sang- 
ster. President Mary E. Woolley, Mrs. A. G. West, President W. F. 
Slocum, Secretary C. J. Ryder, Secretary C. H. Richards, will be among 
the speakers. A Young Ladies' Hour will open the afternoon session. 
A full attendance is desired. Ladies will bring a box lunch. 

THURSDAY 

7.45 p.m. Midweek Service. This is to be a " Bible School " 
service, and glimpses of the State Convention at Brockton will be given 
by our delegates and others. 

FRIDAY 

2.30 P.M. Special Meeting of the Ladies' Beneficent Society to 
finish up the work for the box which is to be sent to Michigan. All 
articles for the box should be sent in before Saturday, October 31. 

SATURDAY 

3.00 to 6.00 P.M. The Junior Willing Helpers will give a Japanese 
Tea in the Vestry of the First Congregational Church. Admission, 
10 cents. 



Notes 

" WHENCE CAME OUR BIBLE ? " 

On the five Monday evenings of November, the pastor is to give a 
series of talks on the Bible, aiming to present a rational, usable view 



Central Congregational Church 303 

of its character, origin — di^dne and human — and the best way to 
use it. 

These talks are planned especially for the benefit of our Bible School 
teachers, but the doors will be opened for any who are interested. 



The Central Congregational Bible School 

The preliminary steps have been taken to unite the Morning and 
Noon Bible Schools into one. Friday, October 2, the officers and 
teachers of the Noon School voted to extend an invitation to the 
Morning School to unite with them, Mondaj^, October 5, the Church 
Committee voted to approve whatever action seemed wise to the 
officers and teachers of the two schools. Sunday, October 18, the 
officers and teachers of the Morning School voted to accept the invita- 
tion extended by the Noon School. 

The uniting of the two schools will actually take place, and the 
Central Congregational Bible School will become a fact, as soon as the 
details of the class arrangement can be attended to. 

This action has become uie\dtable by reason of the changed condi- 
tion under which the work of the Morning School has been carried on 
for some time. While to many it is a source of sincere regret that any 
change should be necessary, yet the wisdom of the new plan has ap- 
proved itseK to a large majority of our people, and is accepted by all in 
a spirit of Christian loyalty to the interests of our work as a whole. 

This spirit of loyalty, which has been the open secret of the success 
of the Central Chiu'ch in the past, is the pledge of larger and better 
service in the future in our Bible School work. 



304 Supplement 



[reprint] 

" Here let no man be stranger '' 



THE CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 
FALL RIVER, MASS. 



'Wtek. begmningf February 26, J 905 

The pastor will be glad to meet at the close of each service any 
strangers who may be willing to tarry a few moments. There is a 
welcome here for all those who will come, and there is a place for all 
who will enter into the life of this Church. 

Pastor, CLARENCE F. SWIFT, D.D. 

Residence, 339 Lincoln Avenue. 

Telephone, Bell 843-3. 

Hours at the Chapel, Tuesday, 2.30 to 5.30. 

Pastor's Assistant, Mrs. Mary H. Smith, 

Residence, 303 High Street. 

Telephone, Bell 653-2L 

Hours at the Chapel, Saturday, 2 to 5. 

Church Telephone, Bell 618-2. 

Associate Workers 
Rev. Edward Scribner Cobb 
Mrs. Florence Brooks Cobb 
Niigata, Japan 

Mr. James W. Brigham, treasurer of the Society, will be in the South 
Parlor before and after the morning service, and will be glad to confer 
with any persons for their accommodation with sittings in the church. 



Sunday Services 
10.20. Standing Committee meets for pra5^er in the pastor's room. 
10.30. Morning Worship. 

Organ — " Andante " (From Fifth Sonata) Merkel 

Doxology. 

Invocation and Lord's Prayer. 

Organ Response. 

Responsive Reading — Portion 28. 

Anthem — " 1 will feed my flock." Simper 

Scripture. 



Central Congregational Church 



305 



Hymn 468 — " JesuS; lover of my soul." (Tune, " Hollingside.") 
Prayer. 

Response — " How sweet to pray." Phippen 

Offering. 

Prayer of Consecration. 

Sermon — '' The Divine Part of Redemption." 
Prayer. 

Hymn 372 — " Holy Ghost, with light divine." 
Benediction. 
Organ — " Hosannah." 
7.00. Evening Worship. 



Organ — " Invocation.' 



Wachs 
Dunham 



Martin 



Hymn 583 — '' I need Thee every hour." 

Psalm. 

Prayer. 

Anthem — ''The great daj^ of the Lord is near." 

Offering. 

Hymn 320 — " All hail the power of Jesus' name." 

Scripture. 

Anthem — " Saviour, when night involves the skies." Shelley 

Sermon — " Jesus, our Judge." 

Hymn 382 — " Behold a Stranger at the door." 

Benediction. 

Organ — " Prelude and Fugue." Bach 

12.00. Bible School. Lesson for to-day — " The Miracle of the Loaves 

and Fishes." John 6 : 1-14. 
1.00. Chinese C. E. Society in the North Parlor. 
2.30. Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class in the Chapel, 
3.45. Y. M. C. A. Men's Meeting. 
6.00. Y. P. S. C. E. in the Chapel. Topic : " Heroes of Home Missions 

— what they teach us." Jer. 1 : 7-19. 



Daring the Week 

MONDAY 

Dr. Dunning gives the closing lecture of his series on " John's 
Gospel of Jesus, the Christ," in the Chapel at 7.45. 

The regular business meeting of the Church will be held in the church 
parlors at 7.30 o'clock. 

TUESDAY 

7.00 P.M. The Christian Endeavor Society will give their annual 
supper and social, in the parlors. Tickets, 20 cents. 



306 Supplement 

WEDNESDAY 

9.30 A.M. Regular meeting of the Relief Committee in the Chapel. 

THURSDAY 

7.45 P.M. Midweek Service. The meeting this week is for the 
service preparatory to the communion service next Sabbath morning. 
Let every member try to be present. The pastor will speak on " The 
New Passover." 

At 7.15 o'clock the Standing Committee will meet, for mutual 
acquaintance and fellowship, those who are to unite with us next 
Sabbath. 

FRIDAY 

2.30 P.M. Regular meeting of the Ladies' Beneficent Society. 
Sewing for the Children's Home. 

The ladies would like all articles for the box which is to be sent 
South, left at the church this week, as it is to be packed Saturday. 

7.45 P.M. The regular monthly meeting of officers and teachers of 
the Bible School will be held in the South Parlor. This is important. 



Notes 

The sermon this evening presents an entirely new phase of Christ's 
character and work, — Jesus, our Judge. Yet it is a feature of his 
work which is vital to a complete knowledge of him. 

The hearts of our people go out in tenderest sympathy to Dr. 
Eldridge Mix and his daughter in their great sorrow at the death of 
Mrs. Mix. Dr. Mix, during his pastorate from 1882 to 1890, was a 
Messenger of Consolation to many homes in Central Church and we all 
pray that strength and comfort may be granted to him in full measure 
in his time of need. 



Central Congregational Church 307 

[reprint] 

MONTHLY MISSIONARY MEETINGS 



THURSDAY EVENINGS 

Seaso^-s of 1903-04 axd 1904-05 



ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOPICS ANT) SPEAKERS 

FOR THE 

MONTHLY MISSIONARY MEETINGS 

OF THE 

CEXTEAL COXGREGATIOXAL CHURCH 
Fall Eiver. Mass., 1903-1904 



'■' The restless millioiis "n-ait 
That hght, "vvhose dawning maketh all things new; 

Christ also waits, but men are slow and late ; 
Have we done what we could? Have I? Have vou? 



Genetal Theme 

** The Progress of the Kingdom ** 

October 8. '"' The Qmjj for the Kingdom/' 
What the non-Christian world lacks, which Christianity can supply. 

Political Henry H. Earl 

Social Mrs. Clarence F. Swift 

Religious Clarence P. Emery 

November 5. " The Response of the Kingdom." 

A sm-vey of what all Christian denominations are doing for the world. 

Asia Clarence F. Swift 

Europe ^Irs. E. C. Gifford 

Africa Clinton V. S. Remington 

America Mrs. J. F. Jackson 

December 3. '' The Response of the Pilgrims.'' 
A survey of what Congregationalists are doing abroad. 
China and Japan Andrew Borden 



308 Supplement 

Turkey and Papal Lands Mrs. G. S. Eddy- 
Africa, India, and the Islands .... Mrs. G. S. Brigham 

January 7. " The Response of the Pilgrims." 

A survey of what Congregationalists are doing in the United States. 
Congregational Home Missionary So- 
ciety Mrs. A. N. Lincoln 

American Missionary Association . . Albert F. Dow- 
Congregational Sunday-School and 

Publishing Society Chas. F. Borden 

Congregational Church Building So- 
ciety Geo. O. Lathrop 

Congregational Education Society . . Miss Carrie S. Chace 



Paths of Progress 

February 4. Evangelistic. 

A preacher's Sunday in Turkey . . . Chas. H. Wells 

A " Tour " in Japan Miss Jessie L. Foster 

Christian Endeavor in China .... Roy McLeod 

A Bible Woman's Work in India . . Mrs. A. J. Abbe 

March 10. Educational. 

A Kindergarten in Kobe, Japan . . . Miss Mary R. Buck 

A Village School in Turkey Miss Margaret J. Thompson 

Training Teachers in Jaffna College, 

Ceylon Edward S. Hawes 

An Industrial School in Africa ... J. Edgar Borden 

April 7. Humanitarian. 

A Doctor's Opportunity Wm. J. Davison 

A Hospital in Madura, India .... Augustus W. Buck 

Famine Relief in India Chester D. Borden 

Helping the Homes Mrs. Arthur Anthony 

May 5. Incidental Results of Missions. 

Language Miss Anna H. Borden 

Science Arthur S. Tuttle 

Civil life Chas. J. Holmes 

Commerce Clarence F. Swift 

June 3. What has Central Church Done? 

For Fall River Walter E. Dow 

For the United States Mrs. J. E. Osborne 

For the World Richard B. Borden 



Central Congregational Church 309 



[reprint] 

«THE SUNRISE KINGDOM" 



TOPICS AND SPEAKERS 

FOR THE 

MONTHLY MISSIONARY MEETINGS 

OF THE 

CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 
Fall Rivee, Mass., 1904-1905 



" No subject for study will give culture more than the study of 
missionary work. Philistinism is provincialism, and nothing opposes 
provincialism and broadens sympathy as does the study of missions." 

— Prof. Irving Wood. 

General Theme 

'"The Sunrise Kingdom*' 

A Study of Japan — Past, Present, and Future 

The first paper of each evening deals with Japan itself, without any 
reference to the work of the Christian forces. 

The second paper deals with some phase of Christian work in Japan. 

The latest news in the missionary world will be given each evening, 
Mr. Henry H. Earl having charge of the foreign news, and Mrs. Clar- 
ence F. Swift of the home news. 

September 22 
Address by Mr. Edward Scribner Cobb, our Associate Worker in Japan. 

November 3 
Report by the Pastor of the meeting of the American Board at Grinnell, 
Iowa. 

December 1 
Geography and Climate of Japan . . A. J. Abbe 
The Beginnings of Chi'istian Work . Miss Barbara G. Thompson 
Latest News from the Home and Foreign Fields. 



310 Supplement 

January 5 

The People of Japan James F. Jackson 

A Sketch of Congregational Work . . Miss Isabel J. Fraser 
Latest News from the Home and Foreign Fields. 

February 3 
Outline of Japan's History .... Mrs. H. K. Braley 

Neesima and the Doshisha James W. Brigham 

Latest News from the Home and Foreign Fields. 

March 9 

The Religion of Japan Rev. G. A. Beebe 

Educational Work in the Missions . . Mrs. W. D. Fellows 
Latest News from the Home and Foreign Fields. 

April 6 

The Homes of Japan Mrs. Geo. S. Brigham 

Evangelistic Work in the Missions . . Benjamin B. Earl 
Latest News from the Home and Foreign Fields. 

May 11 
Japan's Educational System .... Miss Anna H. Borden 

The Kumi-ai Churches Harold M. Barker 

Latest News from the Home and Foreign Fields. 

June 8 

Japan Commercially Elmer B. Young 

Results and Outlook Clarence F. Swift 

Latest News from the Home and Foreign Fields. 



Central Congregational Church 311 

[reprint] 

BIBLE SCHOOL 



CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 

OF THE 

CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL 

Fall Kivee, Mass. 



ADOPTED NOVEMBER 6, 1903 



Preamble 

This Association is formed in accordance with and subject to the 
*' Standing Rules of the Central Church of Fall River/' Section 6 
(Officers), and Section 1 (Instruction). 

It is a reorganization of the " Sabbath school/' established at the 
organization of the Church in A.D. 1842. 

It adopts the following Articles as its Constitution and By-Laws. 

ARTICLE I 

NAME 

This organization shall be called the Central Congregational Bible 
School. 

ARTICLE II 

OBJECT 

The object of this Bible school shall be to gather as many as possible 
into its several departments for the study of the Bible, with the double 
purpose in view of bringing souls to Christ and building up souls in 
Christ. It may engage in such other christian work as is consistent 
with this object. 

ARTICLE III 

MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1. Any person may be enrolled as a member after an 
attendance of four consecutive Sundays, subject to the approval of 
the Superintendent. 

Sec. 2. Any member absent four consecutive Sundays shall be 
dropped from the roll, provided the teacher of the class, after due in- 
quiry and consultation with the superintendent, deems it wise to do so. 



312 Supplement 

ARTICLE IV 

DEPARTMENTS 

Section 1. The school shall be divided into eight departments: the 
Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Adult, Normal, Home, and 
Chinese departments. 

Sec. 2. The Primary Department shall consist of those under nine 
years of age. 

Sec. 3. The Junior Department shall consist of those from nine to 
thirteen years of age. It shall be divided into four grades, the members 
remaining in each grade one year. 

Sec. 4. The Intermediate Department shall consist of those from 
thirteen to seventeen years of age. It shall be divided into four 
grades, the members remaining in each grade one year. 

Sec. 5. The Senior Department shall consist of those from seven- 
teen to twenty-one years of age. It shall be divided into four grades, 
the members remaining in each grade one year. 

Sec. 6. The Adult Department shall consist of all those twenty-one 
years of age and over. It shall be composed of such classes as may be 
formed from time to time, subject to the approval of the Executive 
Committee. 

Sec. 7. The Normal Department shall consist of those who wish to 
fit themselves to teach. 

Sec. 8. The Home Department shall consist of all those who, for 
good reasons, cannot attend the sessions of the school, but study the 
lessons one-half hour weekly at their homes. 

ARTICLE V 

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES 

Section 1. The officers shall be a superintendent, one or more 
assistant superintendents, eight department supervisors in charge of 
the several departments, and the following officers: a secretary, 
treasurer, librarian, and historian. 

Sec. 2. The Board of Managers shall consist of the officers above- 
named, and the teachers in all departments, with the pastor as chair- 
man. 

Sec. 3. The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers as 
named in Article V, Section 1. 

Sec. 4. There shall also be the following sub-committees, appointed 
by the Board of Managers : — a Finance Committee of three, and an 
Instruction Committee of five. 



Central Congregational Church 313 

ARTICLE VI 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS 

Section 1. The superintendent and assistant superintendents shall 
be chosen annually in the following manner : — They shall be nomi- 
nated by the Board of Managers at a meeting called for the purpose at 
least one week previous to the annual meeting of the Church. This 
nomination shall be presented to the Church at its annual meeting, and 
if confirmed at that meeting, the nominees shall serve for the ensuing 
year. 

Sec. 2. The superintendent shall appoint the department super- 
visors, the secretary, treasurer, librarian, and historian, subject to the 
confirmation of the Board of Managers at its annual meeting. 

Sec. 3. Department supervisors shall appoint all assistants in their 
departments, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. 

Sec. 4. Teachers for each department shall be appointed by the 
department supervisor in consultation with the superintendent. 

Sec. 5. The officers chosen shall assume their duties at the close of 
the Promotion Day exercises. 

ARTICLE VII 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS 

Section 1. The pastor shall preside at all meetings of the Board of 
Managers. 

Sec. 2. The superintendent shall be the executive officer of the 
school, and chairman of the Executive Committee; shall have the 
general charge and direction of the school, subject to the Board of 
Managers ; shall preside at all sessions of the school and at meetings of 
the Board of Managers in the absence of the pastor ; and shall be ex- 
officio a member of all committees. 

Sec. 3. The assistant superintendents shall be assigned definite 
work by the superintendent, reporting to him for such assignment, and 
being held responsible to him for its performance. 

Sec. 4. The department supervisors shall have the general direction 
of the work in their respective departments. 

Sec. 5. The secretary shall have charge of all records, papers, and 
lesson periodicals belonging to the Bible school, and keep a record of 
the same; shall keep a correct roll of membership and attendance, a 
record of all meetings of the school and Board of Managers; shall 
report to the superintendent in such manner as may be desired, and 
give any information that the Board of Managers may request. 



314 Supplement 

Sec. 6. The treasurer shall have charge of all funds belonging to the 
school, and shall, upon order of the Finance Committee, pay all bills 
and all appropriations for benevolent work. He shall be ex-officio a 
member of the Finance Committee. 

Sec. 7. The librarian shall have charge of the library, subject to 
such rules as the Board of Managers may adopt, and shall report 
to the Board at its annual meeting the condition and needs of the 
library. 

Sec. 8. The historian shall keep an accurate history of the school, 
noting all matters of interest. 

ARTICLE VIII 

DUTIES OF THE BOARD, MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES 

Section 1. The Board of Managers shall supervise all Bible-school 
work, and control all matters not otherwise provided for. 

The Board shall meet annually during the week preceding Promotion 
Sunday in June. Special meetings may be called at any time by the 
superintendent or five members of the Board. 

At all meetings of the Board ten shall constitute a quorum. 

Sec. 2. The Executive Committee shall see to the carrying out 
of the plans formulated from time to time by the Board of 
Managers. 

Sec. 3. The Finance Committee shall have in charge the raising and 
disbursing of all moneys, such disbursements being subject to the 
general appropriations by the Board of Managers. 

Sec. 4. The Instruction Committee shall outline a course of graded 
supplemental instruction, which course, when approved by the Board 
of Managers, shall be the basis of promotion from department to 
department, certificates of promotion being issued to scholars passing 
satisfactory examinations upon the same. This committee shall also 
recommend concerning the lesson periodicals. 

ARTICLE IX 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS 

Section 1. The superintendent shall make a report of the year's 
work and of all matters pertaining to the interests of the school at the 
annual meeting of the Board of Managers. 

Sec. 2. The various other officers shall make reports at the same 
meeting, and from time to time, as requested, to the superintendent. 



Central Congregational Church 315 

ARTICLE X 

PROMOTION DAY 

Promotion Sunday shall occur during the month of June with such 
exercises as the Executive Committee shall select, the date of the same 
to be determined by said committee. 

ARTICLE XI 

AMENDMENTS 

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any meet- 
ing of the Board of Managers, notice of such amendment having been 
given at a previous meeting. Any such amendments shall become a 
part of this constitution when approved by the Church. 



316 Supplement 



'C:rust \n Go^ 



** There is no wnfaelief; 
Whoever plants a seed beneath the sod 
And waits to see it push away the clod^ 
He trusts in God. 

^'Whoever says when clouds are in the sky, 
*Be patient, heart, light breaketh by and by/ 
Trusts the Most High. 

'' Whoever sees 'neath fields of winter snow, 
The silent harvest of the future grow, 
God's power must know. 

** There is no unbelief ; 
And day by day and night, unconsciously. 
The heart lives by that faith the lips deny, 
God knoweth why.^ 



General Index 



Absent members, 20, 77, 98. 
Admission — form of : 

A.D. 1845, 277. 

A.D. 1884, 279. 

A.D. 1903,. 284. 
American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign ISIissions, 18, 49, 131, 135, 
136,139,141. 
American ^Missionar^- Association, 49, 

131. 
Annals of church : 

A.D. 1842-1844, 2. 

A.D. 1844-1849, 13. 

A.D. 1849-1869, 17. 

A.D. 1870-1882, 31. 

A.D. 1882-1890, 54. 

A.D. 1891-1896, 60. 

A.D. 1897-1902, 70. 

A.D. 1902- , 87. 
Annals, table of, vii. 
Anniversarv, fiftieth, 65, 89, 99. 
Anniversary ser^-ices, annual, 55. 
Annual offerings — schedule of, 272. 
Annual reports, 55. 
Appropriations — C. C. Society, 134. 
Armstrong, Matthew, 273. 
Articles of faith, 14, 55, 91, 277. 
Articles of covenant, 14, 55, 91, 277. 
Articles of creed, 14, 55, 91, 277. 
Assistant, the pastor's, 77, 78, 79. 
Associate Tvorkers, 143, 304, 
Auditorium, redecorating, 91. 
Auditorium, \-ie\s-s of : 

West, 39. 

East, 99. 

Baker, Charles A., 54, 158, 199, 273. 
BaU, EUen, legacy, 134. 
Baptismal seridce, 282, 285. 
Batt, Rev. WiUiam J., 35, 121. 
Bell, church, 13, 39. 
Benefactions, 174, 177. 
Beneficent Society, Ladies', 144. 
Benevolent contributions, 17,49, 131. 



Bibles, American Standard Edition, 

163. 
Bible Class, Fathers and Mothers', 

199. 
Bible School, by-laws and constitu- 
tion, 311. 
Bible-school officers, 270. 
Bible-school organization, 160. 
Board of Deacons enlarged, 91. 
Bonney, Rev. Nathaniel G., 25, 35," 

129. 
Book Club, 56. 

Borden, Caroline, 184, 196, 203, 273. 
Borden, Caroline S., legacy, 134. 
Borden, Laban E., legacy, 134. 
Borden, Col. Richard, 7, 13, 38, 224, 

247. 
Borden, Mrs. Richard, 179, 203, 206, 

247, 249. 
Borden, Richard B., 18, 19, 27, 131, 

183, 267. 
Borden, Thomas J., 37, 90, 273, 287. 
Boys' Brigade, the, 75. 
Brigham, James W., 87, 267, 269, 273, 

274. 
Broadway Church, the, 64. 
Broadway [Mission church, 64. 
Bronze tablet, memorial, 97. 
Bryans, John M., legacj^, 134. 
Buck, Rev. Edwin A., 52, 74, 92, 185, 

233. 
Buck, Rev. Edwin A., missionary: 
A.D. 1867-1903, 185. 
Pleasant Street ^Mission, 185. 
Aid societies, 188. 
Bible classes, 188. 
Bible readers, 187. 
Biographical sketch, 233. 
Boys' club, 192. 
Calls, 185. 

Children's Home, 187. 
Death and fimeral, 236. 
Excursions, 186. 
Finances, 191. 



317 



318 



General Index 



French work, 189. 

Friendly Society, 188. 

Granite Mill fire, 187. 

Harbor work, 189. 

Holly-Tree Coffee House, 188. 

Quarto-Centennial, 192. 

Missionary emeritus, 194, 266. 

Nationalities aided, 189. 

Open-air meetings, 189. 

Organizations, 187. 

Resolutions, 194. 

Temperance work, 187. 
Buck, Mrs. Edwin A., 233. 
Building committees, 7, 37, 61, 63. 
Burnham, Rev. Michael, 31, 53, 222. 
Burnham, Mrs. Michael, 224. 

Cabinet, the Hinman, 73. 
Calendars : 

Copy of church, 293, 297, 300, 304. 

Missionary, 307, 309. 
Calendar waymarks, 83. 
Calls upon the sick, 54, 77, 79, 185. 
Card-playing, 32. 
Carr, Mrs. Elizabeth V. (Mrs. William 

Carr), 3, 89, 144. 
Cemetery, Oak Grove, lots in, 58. 
Central Congregational Society: 

Appropriations, 134. 

Clerks, list of, 274. 

Officers, list of, 269, 274. 

Support of, 133, 134. 

Treasurers, list of, 274. 
Central Church Literary Society, 63. 
Central Church Sabbath School: 

Annual reports, 158. 

Bible-school organization, 160. 

Bible-school departments, 160. 

Cabinet, 159. 

Chapel, 163. 

Class rooms, 163. 

Concerts, 164, 165. 

Contributions, 157. 

Gifts, 158, 159. 

Lesson books, 158, 160, 165. 

Library, 157, 158. 

Members, 156. 

Organization, 156. 

Places of meeting, 156, 162, 

Sessions, 162. 

Social hfe, 163. 



Suburban schools, 158. 

Superintendents, 165. 

Teachers, 157. 

Teachers' meetings, 164. 
Central Sabbath School, 156, 159, 160. 
Chace, S. Angier, 24, 273. 
Chapel : 

Construction, 61, 63. 

Mission, 183. 

Mission, views of, 179. 

Views of, 63, 156. 
Charity fund, 52. 
Children's Home in Fall River, 50, 

187. 
Christmas decorations, 76. 
Christmas trees, 164. 
Choirs, chorus, 51. 
Choirs, membership of, 269. 
Church : 

Auditorium, views of, 39, 99. 

Bell, 13, 39. 

Building committee, 6. 

Central, organization of, 2. 

Collections, 18, 49, 272. 

Fasts, 27, 47, 48. 

First church, 7, 37, 267. 

First Congregational, organization 
of, 1. 

First meeting place, 4. 

First meeting house, 6. 

Original members, 2. 

Second church, frontispiece, 37. 

Thanksgiving, 21, 47, 57. 
Church calendars, 57, 293, 297, 300, 

304. 
Ch\irch census, 57. 
Church councils, 2, 13, 16, 17, 32, 53, 

54,59,61,68,70,78,88. 
Church manuals, 272. 
Church Messenger, Our, 72, 293, 297. 
Church edifice: 

Cornerstone, 38, 287. 

Dedication, 41, 290. 

First, 6, 267. 

Second, frontispiece, 26, 37. 
Church districts, visitation of, 15, 25. 
Church history: 

Clerks, list of, 273. 

Directories, list of, 272. 

Manuals, list of, 272. 

Membership, totals, 272. 



General Index 



319 



Officer?, 267. 
Treasurers, list of, 273. 
Votes, etc., 94,263. 
Chixrch property, oT^-nership of, 34. 
Circular of Standing Committee, 69. 
Cloister door to be open, 72. 
aubs: 

Congregational, 64 
Men's League, 75, SO. 
Cobb, Rev. Edward S., 94, 141. 
Cobb, :Mrs. Ed^^-ard S., 94, 142. 
Collections, schedule of, 272. 
Committee of Fifteen, 91. 
Committee on : 

Church history, 94, 263. 
Circular, 264. 
Report, 283. 
CommTinion, care of ser\-ice, 36. 
Communion cups, individual, 66. 
Comm\mion seasons, 271. 
Commimion service, first in use, 13, 

75. 
Commtmion service, unions, 62. 
Commundon service, 75. 
Concert : 

Sabbath school, 164. 
The missionary, 96. 
Conference meetings, 4, 7. 
Confessions of faith : 
A.D. 1845, 14, 277. 
A.D. 1884, 55, 279. 
A.D. 1903, 91, 284. 
Congregational Club, 64. 
Congregational Church Building So- 
ciety, 50, 272. 
Congregational Education Society, 18, 

49, 272. 
Congregational Home ^Missionary So- 
ciety, 18, 49, 272. 
Congregational Sunday-School and 

Publishing Society, 18, 50, 272. 
Congregational singing, 21 . 
Constitution, etc., Bible school, 311. 
Contents : 
Table of, vii. 

Central Church, organization of, 2, 
Central Congregational Society, 5. 
Organization of Christian Endeavor 
Society, 169. 
Contributions, benevolent, 17, 49, 131. 
Contributions, schedule of, 272. 



Copies of: 

Church calendars, 293, 297, 300, 

304. 
Monthlj- missionary meetings, 307, 
309. 
Cornerstone, laving of, 38, 287. 
Cottage prayer-meetings, 72. 
Councils, ecclesiastical, 2, 13, 16, 17, 

32, 53, 54, 59, 61, 68, 70, 78, 88. 
Covenants : 

A.D. 1845, 14, 277. 
A.D. 1884, 55, 279. 
A.D. 1903, 91, 284. 
Cradle roll. Central Sunday school, 

160. 
Cradle roll, Woman's Foreign ^lission- 

ary Society, 211. 
Craig, Mary, legacy, 134. 
Crane, Joseph A., 14, 21, 156, 273. 

Dancing vs. church members, 20. 
Dates, important, 266. 
Deacons, Board enlarged, 91. 

Dates of service, 273. 

Election of, 14, 18, 24, 91, 273. 

List of, 267, 273. 

Term of office, 267. 
Dean, Rev. WiUiam X. T., 35. 
Deane, Ljmian W., 25, 38, 51, 52, 165, 

171. 
Debt fund, raising of the, 41 . 
Debt of Central Congregational So- 
ciety, 41, 47, 134. 
Debt, pavmaent of, 41, 47, 57. 
Decorations, Christmas, 76. 
Dedication : 

First chtirch, 13. 

Second church, 41, 290. 
Dedication of history, vi. 
Deed of pews, 275. 
Directory of chtirch, 267. 
Door, cloister, to be open, 72. 
Doxology, singing of, 52. 
Durfee, Charles, 38, 165, 289. 
Dtirfee, Nathan, 4, 6, 8, 18, 38, 224, 

240, 273. 
Durfee, Mrs. Nathan, 240. 

Earl, Benjamin, 4, 14, 16, 36, 38, 52, 
237,273. 

Earl, Mrs. Benjamin, 237. 



320 



General Index 



Earl, Henry H., iii, xi, 93, 98, 163, 171, 

226, 273. 
Earl, Newton R., xi, 38, 90, 95, 165, 

273. 
Early preachers, 8. 
" Easter Company," the, 72. 
Ecclesiastical councils, 2, 13, 17, 32, 

54, 61, 70, 88. 
Ecclesiastical Society organization, 5. 
Eddy,- James C, 61, 63, 159, 184. 
Eddy, Jesse, 4, 7, 250. 
Eddy, Mrs. Jesse, 250. 
Eddy, Thomas F., 51, 75, 151, 181, 

243, 244, 273. 
Edifice : 

First church, 6, 267. 

Second church, frontispiece, 25, 37. 
Electric-car outings, 79, 200. 
Electric lights, 59. 

Entertainments, parish, 145, 147, 155. 
Evangelistic services, 50. 

Fall River Congregational Club, 64. 

Fall River Hospital, 50. 

Fast days of Church, 27, 47, 48. 

Fathers' Bible Class, 199. 

Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class, 199. 

Fifteen, Missionary Committee of, 91. 

Fiftieth anniversary of Central 

Church, 65, 89, 99. 
First Congregational Church, organi- 
zation, 1. 
Fish, Henry H., 8, 9, 15, 25, 26, 132, 

252, 273, 274. 
Fish, Mrs. Henry H., 252. 
Foreign Missionaries, 19, 73, 94, 135, 

139,140,141,142. 
Form of admission : 

A.D. 1845, 277. 

A.D. 1884, 279. 

A.D. 1903, 284, 
French Congregational Church, 57. 
Funds: 

Ellen Ball, 134. 

Caroline S. Borden, 134. 

Laban E. Borden, 134. 

John M, Bryans, 134. 

Mary Craig, 134. 

George W. Smith, 134. 

Sarah R. Stillwell, 134. 

Mary H. Sumner, 134. 



John Wilkinson, 134. 

Charity, 52. 

Church, 133. 
Funds and legacies, 133. 
Fellows, Wilfred D., 267, 273. 

Gifts: 

Bibles, 163. 

Church bell, 13, 39. 

Church lot, 6, 38. 

Communion service, 75. 

Jerusalem window, 40. 

Memorial tablet, 97. 

Pianos, 40, 93, 158. 

Pictures, 40. 
Gilbert, Orrin P., 8, 14, 273. 
Glazier, Amery, 1, 4, 5, 14, 246. 
Glazier, Mrs. Amery, 246. 
Globe Village, mission at, 64. 
Gordon, Rev. Robert F., 36. 

Hall, Lois W., 14, 19, 135. 
Hay den. Prince G., 258. 
Plelper, the pastor's, 77, 78, 79. 
Hinman cabinet, the, 73. 
Hinman, Rev. George W., 73, 91, 139. 
Hinman, Mrs. George W., 73, 91, 140. 
History of Church, votes, etc., 94, 263. 
Holmes, Charles J., 30, 36, 52, 68, 90, 

225, 243, 273. 
Holmes, Mrs. Charles J., iii, xii, 80, 

86, 94, 152, 154, 243, 263. 
Holmes, Mary L., poem, 108. 
Home Sunday school, 156. 
Hospitality of church, 66. 
Hymn books, 8, 23, 27, 55, 97. 

Illustrations, table of, x. 
Important dates, 266. 
Index : 

General, 317. 

Persons, 327. 
Individual communion cups, 66. 
*' In Memoriam " tablet, 40. 
Installation of pastors : 

Rev. Michael Burnham, 32. 

Rev. W. Walker Jubb, 61. 

Rev. WilUam A. Knight, 70. 

Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D., 54. 

Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D., 88. 

Rev. Eli Thurston, 17, 216. 



General Index 



321 



Rev. Samuel Washburn, 13, 15, 215. 
Interregnum between pastorates, 82. 
Introduction, 1. 
Issues of church manuals, 272. 

Jerusalem window, 40. 
Jubb, Rev. W. Walker, 60, 230. 
Jubb, Mrs. W. Walker, 66, 231 . 
Jubilee, semi-centennial, 65, 89, 99. 

Kilburn, Elijah C, 24, 36, 242, 243, 

273. 
Kilburn, Mrs. Elijah C, 242. 
Knight, Rev. Wilham A., 70, 78, 231. 
Knight, Mrs. William A., 231. 

Ladies' Beneficent Society, 144. 

Annals of society, 1843-57, 144. 

Annals of society, 1857-62, 149. 

Annals of society, 1862-78, 151. 

Annals of society, 1878-1902, 152. 

Annals of society, 1902-1905, 154. 

Fiftieth anniversary, 154. 

Lines by Mrs. H. H. Fish, 147. 

New ch\u-ch edifice, 39, 46, 152. 

New church furnishings, 151, 154. 

Officers, 268. 

Organization, 144. 

Patriotic resolutions, 147. 

Work for children, 150. 

Work for home mission, 144, 149. 

Work for mission school, 151. 

Young People's Society, 146. 
Ladies' prayer-meetings, 17, 66. 
Lathrop, George O., 51, 72, 273. 
La^dng of cornerstone of new church 

edifice, 38, 287. 
League, Men's, 75, 80. 
Legacies : 

Ball, Ellen, 134. 

Borden, Caroline S., 134. 

Borden, Laban E., 134. 

Bryans, John M., 134. 

Craig, Mary, 134. 

Smith, George W., 134. 

Stillwell, Sarah R., 134. 

Sumner, Mary H., 134. 

Wilkinson, John, 134. 

Funds, 134. 
Letters missive, 1, 94. 
Library, missionary, 94, 96. 



List of: 

Church collections, 18, 49, 272. 

Deacons, 267, 273. 

Membership reserved, 98. 

Scribes, 273. 

Sunday-school superintendents, 
274. 

Treasurers, 273. 
Literary Society, Central Chiu-ch, 63. 
Lord's supper, sacrament of, 271. 
Lots in Oak Grove Cemetery, 58. 

Manuals of church, issue of, 272. 
Meeting house, first, 6, 13, 52, 57. 
Members, absent, 20, 77, 98. 
Membership in : 

Decades, 272. 
• Semi-decades, 272. 
Membership, reserved list, 98. 
Memorial bronze tablet, 97. 
" Memoriam, In," 40. 
Men's League, 75, 80. 
Messenger, Church, 72, 293, 297. 
Mission Aid Society, 199. 
Mission, Broadway Church, 64. 
Mission school, Pleasant Street : 

Annals, 185. 

Borden, Miss Caroline, 196. 

Buck, Rev. E. A., 185. 

Building, 183. 

Concerts, 186. 

Early schools, 183. 

Excm-sions, 186. 

Fathers and Mothers' Bible Class, 
199. 

Fiftieth anniversary, 193. 

Ladies' Society, 181. 

Missionary, 185. 

Officers, 183. 

Organization, 183. 

Sessions, 186. 

Superintendents, 183. 
Mission schools: 

Bedford Street, 179. 

Borden, Miss, 196. 

Central Street, 181. 

Fish Road, 159. ; . 

Globe Village, 64. 

New Boston Road, 159. 

Pleasant Street, 183. 

Stafford Road, 186. 



322 



General Index 



Mission work : 

Boardman, Thomas, missionary, 

182. 
Borden, Caroline, 184, 196. 
Buck, Rev. Edwin A., 185, 233. 
Early schools, 179. 
Fall River Domestic Missionary 

Society, 180. 
Fall River Mission Sabbath School, 

181, 183. 
Fall River Sunday-School Society, 

183. 
Gentlemen's Society, auxiliary, 181, 

182. 
Ladies' Society, auxihary, 181, 

182. 
Other workers, 184. 
Pleasant Street Mission Sabbath 
School, 179, 183, 185. 
Missionary Committee of Fifteen, 

268. 
Missionary concert, the, 96. 
Missionary emeritus, 74, 92, 194, 
Missionaries, foreign, 19, 73, 94, 135, 

139, 140, 141, 142. 
Missionary Society, home, 18. 
Missionary library, 94, 96. 
Missionary meetings : 
Speakers, 307. 
Topics, 309. 
Mix, Rev. Eldridge, 54, 227. 
Mix, Mrs. Eldridge, 227, 229. 
Monthly missionary meetings, 307, 

309. 
Mothers' Bible Class, 199. 
Mothers and Fathers' Bible Class, 

199. 
Music committee, 268. 

Neighborhood prayer-meetings, 50, 

72. 
New church: 

Bell, 39. 

Cornerstone, 38. 

Debt, 41. 

Dedication, 41, 290. 

Description, 38. 

Fresco design, 39. 

Furnishings, 39, 40, 59. 

Jerusalem window, 40. 

Location, 38. 



Mottoes, 39. 

Organ, 38. 

Payment of debt, 41, 57. 

Photo pictures, 40. 

Pianos, 40, 93. 

Pictures, 40. 

Plans, 38. 

Subscriptions for, 38. 

Tablets, 39. 

Views, frontispiece, 39, 99. 



Oak Grove Cemetery, lots in, 58. 
Offerings, annual, 272. 
Officers of : 

Church, 267. 

Society, 269. 
Officers, printed list posted, 51. 
Old church bmlding, sale of, 52, 57. 
Old church lot, sale of, 52, 57. 
Order of exercises: 

Dedication of new church edifice, 
290. 

Laying of cornerstone of new 
church edifice, 287. 

Semi-centennial, 100. 
Order of Sunday services, 59, 271. 
Ordination of: 

Batt, William J., 35. 

Bonney, Nathaniel G., 35. 

Burnham, Michael, 32. 

Cobb, Edward S., 95. 

Dean, William N. T., 35. 

Gordon, Robert F., 36. 
Organ, church, 38. 
Organ, concerts, 171. 
Organists, 21, 25, 26. 
Organization of Church, 4. 
Organization of Society, 5. 
Organization of Sunday School, 33. 
Outings, electric-car, 79, 200. 
Ownership of church property, 34. 



Parish directory, 267. 

Parish entertainments, 145, 155. 

Parish suppers, 145, 147, 155. 

Parsonage, 34, 57. 

Passion week, 71. 

Pastoral Aid Society, the, 55, 167. 

Pastoral calls, 54, 77, 79, 185. 



General Index 



323 



Pastors : 

" In memoriam," 39. 

List of, 266. 

Tablet, 40. 
Pastor's assistant, 77, 78, 79. 
Pastor's band, 75. 
Patriotic resolutions, 147. 
Payment of debt, Central Congrega- 
tional Society, 41, 57. 
Peat, Josiah W., 18, 275. 
Personal sketches, 215. 
Personal sketches of : 

Borden, Col. Richard and wife, 
247. 

Buck, Edwin A. and wife, 233. 

Burnham, Michael and wife, 222. 

Cobb, Edward S. and'v\'ife, 141. 

Durfee, Nathan and wife, 240. 

Earl, Benjamin and wife, 238. 

Eddy, Jesse and wife, 250. 

Eddy, Thomas F., 244. 

Fish, Henry H. andT\afe, 252. 

Glazier, Amery and wife, 246. 

Hall, Lois W., 135. 

Hayden, Prince G., 258. 

Hinman, George W. and wife, 139. 

Jubb, W. Walker and wife, 231. 

Kilburn, Elijah C, 242. 

Knight, WilHam A. and wife, 231. 

Mix, Eldridge and wife, 227. 

Remington, Robert K., 254. 

Seymour, Harriet, 203. 

Swift, Clarence F. and ^xiie, 232. 

Thvirston, EU and wife, 216. 

Vandoom, Edward A., 258. 

Washburn, Samuel and wife, 215. 
Pews, deed of, 275. 
Pews, OTN-nership of, 134. 
Pews, rental of, 34, 134. 
Pianos, gifts of: 

Arnzen, Neils, 40. 

Earl, Henry H., 93. 

Stillwell, Sarah R., 158. 
Pilgrims, the Yoimg, 93. 
Pleasant Street Chapel: 

Construction, 183. 

View of, 179. 
Pleasant Street Mission Sabbath 

School, 179, 185. 
Pledges to pay the debt, 41, 47. 
Pledges, weekly offerings, 49, 133. 



Poems : 

Mary L. Hohnes, 108. 

Mrs. Henry H. Fish, 147. 

Mrs. Mary L. W. Towle, 120, 256. 
Poems, semi-centennial, 108, 120. 
Portraits, x. 
Portraits of : 

Charles A. Baker, 87. 

Borden, Col. Richard, 38. 

Borden, Richard B., 131. 

Borden, Thomas J., 37. 

Brigham, James W., 87. 

Buck, Edwin A., 185. 

Burnham, Michael, 31. 

Cobb, Edward S., 135. 

Cobb, Mrs. Edward S., 135. 

Durfee, Holder B., 37. 

Durfee, Nathan, 18. 

Earl, Benjamin, 14. 

Earl, Henry H., 87t 

Earl, Newton R., 87. 

Eddy, Jesse, 250. 

Eddy, Thomas F., 183. 

Fellows, Wilfred D., 87. 

Hall, Lois W., 135. 

Hinman, George W., 135. 

Hinman, Mrs. George W., 135. 

Holmes, Charles J., 87. 

Jennings, William H., 37. 

Jubb, W. Walker, 60. 

Kilburn, Elijah C, 242. 

Knight, William A., 70. 

Lathrop, George O., 87. 

Mix, Eldridge, 54. 

Remington, Clinton V. S., 87. 

Remington, Robert K., 37. 

Seymour, Harriet, 203. 

Swift, Clarence F., 87. 

Thurston, Eh, 17. 

Washburn, Samuel, 13. 
Prayer-meetings, 4, 17, 47. 
Preachers, early, 8. 
Preface, xi. 

Printed hst, officers, 51. 
Programs : 

Dedication, 13, 290. 

Laying cornerstone, 287. 

Semi-centennial jubilee, 100. 
Progress of the kingdom, 91, 93, 307, 

309. 
Property, ownership of church, 134. 



324 



General Index 



Public assemblies in church, 58, 66. 
Publication fund subscribers, 265. 

Railroads, Sunday travel, 18. 
Raising of the debt fund, 41. 
Rehef committee, 33, 267. 
Remington, Clinton V. S., 19, 64, 76, 

90, 163, 165, 174, 273. 
Remington, Hale, 18, 148, 150, 156. 
Remington, Robert K., 18, 37, 40, 159, 

165, 187, 254. 
Rentals of pews, appropriation of, 34, 

134. 
Reports, annual, 55. 
Reprints : 

Articles of faith, etc., 277. 

By-laws of Bible school, 311. 

Calendars, 293, 297, 300, 304. 

Dedication new chxu'ch, 290. 

Deed of pews, 275. 

Laying of cornerstone, 287. 

Missionary topics, 307, 309. 

Semi-centennial program, 100. 
Resignations : 

Buck, Rev. Edwin A., 74. 

Burnham, Rev. Michael, 52. 

Deane, Lyman W., 52. 

Earl, Benjamin, 36, 52. 

Eddy, Thomas F., 51. 

Fish, Henry H., 25, 26. 

Jubb, Rev. W. Walker, 66. 

Knight, Rev. Wilham A., 78. 

Mix, Rev. Eldridge, 59. 

Washburn, Rev. Samuel, 13, 15, 
215. 
Resolutions : 

Absent members, 20. 

Baptist Temple, 7. 

Borden, Thomas J., 90. 

Buck, Rev. Edwin A., 92. 

Burnham, Rev. Michael, 47. 

Card-playing, 32. 

Dancing, 20. 

Gratitude, 21. 

McKenzie, Rev. Alexander, 47. 

Mission at Globe Village, 64. 

Patriotic, 147. 

Remington, C. V. S., 64, 165. 

Sunday travel, 18. 

Thurston, Rev. Eli, 29. 

Washburn, Rev. Samuel, 47. 



Responsive readings, 56. 
Reunion and roll call, 58. 
Revivals : 

A.D. 1850, 18. 

A.D. 1857, 22. 

A.D. 1863, 24. 

A.D. 1872, 33. 

A.D. 1878, 48. 
Richardson, Joseph B., 183, 191, 296. 
Roll-call and reunion, 58. 

Sacrament, Lord's Supper, 271. 
Salaries of pastors, 13, 17, 53, 60. 
Salary of missionaries : 

Rev. E. A. Buck, 52, 74. 

Edward S. Cobb, 74. 

George W. Hinman, 73, 132. 
Sale of old church building, 57. 
Sale of old church lot, 52, 57. 
Schedule of collections, 272. 
School, Bible, constitutions and by- 
laws, 311. 
Scribes, list of, 273. 
Semi-centennial : 

Address, 113, 121. 

Celebration, 65, 99. 

Greetings, 117, 120. 

Invitation, 99. 

Order of service, 100. 

Poems, 108, 120. 

Sermon, 107. 
Semi-centennial jubilee, 65, 89, 99. 
Services of the church, 271. 
Sextons of church, 258. 
Seymour, Harriet, 136, 203. 
Sick, calls upon, 185. 
Singing, congregational, 21. 
Sketches, personal, of : 

Borden, Col. Richard and wife, 
247. 

Buck, Edwin A. and wife, 233. 

Burnham, Michael and wife, 222. 

Cobb, Edward S. and wife, 141. 

Dvirfee, Nathan and wife, 240. 

Earl, Benjamin and wife, 238. 

Eddy, Jesse and wife, 250. 

Eddy, Thomas F., 244. 

Fish, Henry H. and wife, 252. 

Glazier, Amery and wife, 246. 

Hall, Lois W., 135. 

Hayden, Prince G., 258. 



General Index 



325 



Hininan, George W. and wife, 
139. 

Jubb, W. Walker and wife, 231 . 

Kilbum, Elijah C, 242. 

Knight, William A. and wife, 231. 

Mix, Eldridge and wife, 227. 

Remington, Robert K., 254. 

Seymour, Harriet, 203. 

Swift, Clarence F. and wife, 232. 

Thxu-ston, EH and wife, 216. 

Vandoorn, Edward A., 258. 

Washbm-n, Samuel and wife, 215. 
Smith, George W., legacy, 134. 
Smith, Mary H., pastor's assistant, 

77, 78, 79. 
Society : 

Bible school, 74. 

Sunday school, 159. 
Society, Central Congregational: 

Appropriations, 134. 

Officers, 269, 274. 

Organization, 5. 

Support of, 134. 
Society, ecclesiastical, 5. 
Standing Committee circular, 69. 
Standing Committee, 267. 
Steamboats, Sunday, 18. 
Stillwell, Sarah R., legacy, 134. 
Strangers, committee on, 18. 
Subscribers, list of, to pubhcation 

fund, 265. 
Sumner, Mary H., legacy, 134. 
Sunday schools : 

Bedford Street, 179. 

Central Street, 181. 

Fish Road, 159. 

Globe Village, 64. 

Home, 156. 

Miss Borden's, 196. 

New Boston Road, 159. 

Pleasant Street, 183. 

Stafford Road, 158. 
Sunday services, order of, 59, 271. 
Svmday school, superintendents of, 

274. 
Suppers, parish, 145, 147, 155. 
Supper, Sacrament of Lord's, 271. 
Swift, Rev. Clarence F., 87, 88, 232. 
Swift, Mrs. Clarence F., 233. 
Supplement, 263. 



Table of contents, vii. 

Tablet, memorial bronze, 97. 

Tablet, pastors', 40. 

Tablet on tower, 66. 

Thanksgiving days of church, 21, 47, 

57. 
Thvirston, Rev. EH, 17, 28, 216. 
Thurston, Mrs. EH, 41, 149, 217. 
Title page, iii. 
Topics, missionary meetings, and 

speakers, missionary meetings, 

307, 309. 
Towle, Mary L. W., 120, 256. 
Treasm-ers, list of, 273. 
Twenty-fifth anniversary of Fathers 

and Mothers' Bible Class, 199. 

Union communion ser\'ice, 62. 
Union Hospital in Fall River, 50, 133. 
Union of Bible schools, 93. 
Union prayer-meetings, 23. 

Ushers, 268. 

Vandoorn, Edward A., 258. 
Vested funds, 133. 
Views and portraits, x. 
Views of : 

Auditorium, east, 99. 
Auditorivim, west, 39. 
Bronze tablet, 97. 
Pastors' memorial, 40. 
Views of first church edifice, 267, 
Views of second church edifice, fron- 
tis-piece, 39, 99. 
Central Church: 

Chapel, interior, 156. 
Church chapel, 63. 
Mission chapel, 176. 
Votes : 

American Board Hfe members, 15. 
Church history, 94, 263. 
Tract Society, 14. 

Washburn, Rev. Samuel, 13, 15, 215. 
Washburn, Mrs. Samuel, 216. 
Weekly offerings : 

Appropriation of, 133. 

Pledges for, 49. 

System, 48, 133. 
Week of prayer, 34, 71. 
Wilkinson, John, legacy, 134. 



326 



General Index 



Willing Helpers ; 

Officers, 268. 

Society, 209. 
Witnessing day, the, 93. 
Woman's Board of Missions, 203. 
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, 

203. 
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, 

officers, 268. 
Workers, associate, 143, 304. 

Young People's Society of Christian 
Endeavor, 167, 169, 170. 
Banners, 177. 
Benefactions, 174, 177. 



Chinese Society, 176, 270. 

Committees, 168, 172. 

Entertainments, 173. 

Junior Society, 175. 

Local union, 171. 

Meetings, 168, 170. 

Membership, 167. 

Officers, 168, 170, 270. 

Organization, 167. 

Organ recitals, 171. 

Pastoral Aid Society, 55, 167. 

Social life, 169, 173. 
Young People's Society, A.D. 1845, 

146. 
Young Pilgrims, the, 93. 



Index of Personal References 



Abbe, Alanson J., 86, 170, 265, 309. 
Abbe, Mrs. Alanson J., xii, 268, 270, 

308. 
Adam, Mrs. Dorcas J., 265. 
Adams, Dr. W. W., 29, 32, 66, 67, 96, 

219, 236, 289, 290. 
Adams, M. Hartwell, 86, 268, 297. 
Andrews, Frank L., 52, 86. 
Andrews, Harriet, 209. 
Anthony, Mrs. Arthur, 211, 265, 308. 
Armstrong, Bessie A., 168. 
Armstrong, Matthew, 273. 
Arnzen, Niels, 40. 

Baker, Charles A., xii, 54, 60, 63, 69, 

86, 105, 158, 199, 226, 265, 267, 
270, 273. 

Baker, Mrs. Charles A., 86, 152, 199, 

226, 267, 270. 
Ball, 'Mrs. Ellen, 14, 134, 265. 
Bamford, Mrs. Mary L., 265. 
Barker, ]Mrs. Edith M., 265. 
Barker, Harold M., 268, 310. 
Bassett, Rufus W., 168. 
Batt, Wilham J., 35, 103, 106, 121. 
Batt, WiUiam M., 265, 297. 
Beebe, Rev. G. A., 310. 
Blake, Mrs. Leshe, 265. 
Boardman, Thomas, 181. 
Bonney, Nathaniel G., 25, 35, 129. 
Boone, John H., 31, 87, 151, 268. 
Borden, Andrew, 52, 61, 65, 69, 86, 

87, 90, 197, 265, 267, 268, 275, 307. 
Borden, Anna H., xii, 168, 170, 265, 

270, 308, 310. 
Borden, Mrs. Bertha V., 265, 270. 
Borden, Carohne, 181, 184, 188, 196, 

200, 203, 208, 265. 
Borden, Carrie L., 96, 175, 265, 268. 
Borden, Mrs. Charles A., 265. 
Borden, Charles F., 308. 
Borden, Charles N., 265, 270. 
Borden, Chester D., 293, 297, 308. 
Borden, Edward P., 265. 



Borden, J. Edgar, 265, 308. 

Borden, Laban E., 134. 

Borden, Matthew C. D., 192, 265. 

Borden, Melvin, 7. 

Borden, Mrs. John, 14. 

Borden, Mrs. Mary E. (See Mrs. T. J.) 

Borden, Mrs. Philip D., 134, 154. 

Borden, Col. Richard, 5, 6, 7, 13, 17, 

38, 39, 117, 121, 148, 150, 153, 181, 

196, 224, 241, 247, 248. 
Borden, Mrs. Col. Richard, 144, 153, 

179, 203, 200, 247, 249. 
Borden, Richard B., 18, 19, 27, 70, 

86, 87, 89, 131, 183, 265, 267, 268, 

273, 308. 
Borden, Mrs. Richard B., 96. 
Borden, Richard P., 265, 269. 
Borden, Thomas J., 31, 37, 54, 60, 

68, 90, 106, 185, 273, 274, 287. 
Borden, Mrs. T. J., 19, 33, 152, 154, 

181, 265. 
Bowen, Joseph A., 61, 63, 68, 159, 

179, 187, 265. 
Bowen, Mrs. Joseph A., 86, 199, 201, 

270. 
Bowers, Mrs. Mary, 265. 
Brackett, Frank B., 126. 
Brackett, Sewall B., 18, 126. 
Brackett, WiUiam Henry, 126, 183. 
Brady, James, 265. 
Braley, Mrs. Henry K., 310. 
Braman, Amy W., 160. 
Brayton, John B., 265. 
Briggs, Tillinghast, 4, 9, 14. 
Brigham, George S., 168, 265, 297. 
Brigham, Mrs. George S., 211, 268, 

308, 310. 
Brigham, James W., 68, 69, 86, 87, 

170, 265, 267, 269, 273, 274, 300, 

304, 310. 
Brooks, Florence, 95, 141, 142, 267, 

304. 
Brown, Eugene M., 86, 265, 268. 
Brown, Louise G., 265. 



327 



328 



Index of Personal References 



Bryans, John M., 134, 

Buck, AUce L., 209. 

Buck, Augustus W., 265, 308. 

Buck, Edwin A., 28, 45, 52, 57, 60, 
69, 70, 74, 75, 86, 89, 92, 104, 151, 
152, 154, 158, 175, 185, 187, 188, 
189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 196, 
200, 201, 223, 229, 233, 266, 293. 

Buck, Mary, 308. 

Buck, N. Evelyn, 168, 170, 293, 297. 

Buck, The Misses, 265. 

Burnham, Hervey, 168. 

Burnham, Michael, 31, 34, 47, 52, 53, 
59, 61, 75, 102, 106, 113, 159, 195, 
222, 223, 225, 226, 236, 249, 266, 
287, 291, 292. 

Burnham, Mrs. Michael, 224. 

Bush, Annie C, 168. 

Bush, Wilham R., 18, 19. 

Capen, Ella M., 265. 

Carr, Delia S., 209, 308. 

Carr, EHzabeth V. (-See Mrs. William.) 

Carr, Mrs. Wilham, iii, xii, 3, 89, 94, 

144, 146, 150, 152, 154, 199, 226, 

234, 263, 264, 265, 270. 
Chace, Almira, 146. 
Chace, Albert M., 270. 
Chace, Carrie S., 308. 
Chace, Edith E., 270. 
Chace, S. Angler, 24, 273. 
Chace, Mrs. S. Angler, 33, 144, 160, 

203. 
Chace, Samuel, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9. 
Chapin, Daniel A., 265. 
Chapin, Herbert, 265. 
Chase, Edward S., 5, 6, 274. 
Chase, Simeon B., 60, 65, 183, 192, 

265. 
Cobb, Edward S., 94, 95, 97, 141, 142, 

177, 267, 304, 309. 
Cobb, Mrs. Edward S., 94, 95, 97, 141, 

142, 177, 267, 304. 
Coggeshall, William, 4, 9. 
Congdon, Mrs. George, 86, 297. 
Cook, Patience, 145. 
Cook, Sarah A., 19, 265. 
Corey, Harriet M., 265. 
Cornell, Mrs. Emma C. (Mrs. Daniel 

H.), 86, 265, 267, 297. 
Cotton, John S., 5. 



Covel, Alphonso S., 54, 168, 183, 274. 

Covel, Mrs. A. S., 153. 

Craig, Mary, 134. 

Crane, Joseph A., 14, 15, 21, 156, 273. 

Davenport, Mrs. Jessie A., 265. 
Davison, Mrs. Mary A., 265. 
Davison, William J., 308. 
Davol, Mrs. Abner P., 84, 268. 
Davol, Mrs. Bradford D., 265. 
Dean, Lucretia, 179, 180. 
Dean, William N. T., 35, 120. 
Deane, John M., 265. 
Deane, Lyman W., 25, 38, 51, 52, 89, 

100, 165, 171, 220, 289. 
Dilhngham, Charles C, 4, 5, 9, 274. 
Dillingham, Charles H., 158. 
Dillingham, Edmund B., 159. 
Dow, Albert F., 70, 86, 87, 226, 265, 

269, 302, 308. 
Dow, Mrs. Albert F., 268. 
Dow, Walter E., 86, 267, 268, 273, 

294, 308. 
Durfee, Bradford, 6, 7. 
Durfee, Charles, 38, 165, 274, 289. 
Durfee, Fidelia B., 5, 6, 144, 145. 
Durfee, Holder B., 37, 265. 
Durfee, Joseph, 6, 7, 
Durfee, Nathan, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 

17, 18, 28, 31, 38, 117, 122, 147, 

150, 217, 224, 240, 241, 273, 274, 

289. 
Durfee, Mrs. Nathan, 242. 
Durfee, Nathan (2d), 168, 265. 
Durfee, William B., 183, 185. 
Durfee, Mrs. William B., 33, 186. 
Dunning, Albert E., 32, 85, 88, 305. 

Eames, Asa, 31. 

Earl, Adriana W., 83. 

Earl, Benjamin, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 36, 38, 

52, 117, 126, 127, 181, 238, 239, 

243, 255, 273, 274, 289. 
Earl, Mrs. Benjamin, 239, 240, 243. 
Earl, Benjamin B., 265, 270, 297, 

310. 
Earl, Henry H., iii, xi, 60, 63, 64, 68, 

69, 70, 86, 87, 93, 96, 98, 163, 168, 

169, 171, 226, 265, 267, 268, 273, 

274, 275, 302, 307, 309. 



Index of Personal References 



329 



Earl, Newton R., xi. 38, 90, 94, 95, 

165, 226, 265, 267, 268, 273, 274. 
Earl, Mrs. Newton R., 96, 226. 
Eddy, Mrs. George S., 96, 268, 308. 
Eddy, James C, 60, 61, 63, 151, 159, 

184, 185, 244. 
Eddy, Mrs. James C, 153. 
Eddy, Jesse, 4, 7, 9, 13, 17, 156, 244, 

250, 251. 
Eddy, Mrs. Jesse, 144, 145, 165, 251. 
Eddy, Thomas F., 18, 51, 54, 75, 151, 

181, 183, 185, 244, 245, 273. 
Elsbree, Edwin P., 83. 
Emery, Clarence P., 307. 

FeUows, Wilfred D., 267, 273, 275. 
Fellows, Mrs. Wilfred D., 310. 
Fielden, John S. C, 86, 183, 265. 
Fish, Eliza A. (Mrs. Henry H.), 147, 

149, 152, 246, 254. 
Fish, Henry H., 5, 8, 9, 15, 21, 25, 26, 

27, 31, 89, 126, 131, 132, 152, 252, 

253, 273, 274. 
Fisher, Charles E., 60, 63, 86, 168, 

269, 270, 275. 
Fiske, Frederic A., 156, 157, 274. 
Ford, James, 5. 
Foster, Charles E., 86. 
Foster, Jessie L., 308. 
Fowler, Orin, 124. 
Eraser, Isabel J., 168, 310. 
Fuller, Elisha, 265. 

Gage, John P., 265, 270. 

Gamble, Mrs. EHza, 265. 

Gardner, M. Elizabeth, 120. 

Gardner, Mrs. Nelhe B., 265. 

Gifford, Mrs. Edmimd C, 307. 

Gilbert, Orrin P., 8, 14, 156, 273, 274. 

Gladden, Washington, 97. 

Glazier, Amery, 1, 4, 5, 7, 14, 246, 254. 

Glazier, Mrs. Amery, 156, 246, 254. 

Gordon, Robert F., 36. 

Graham, Charles S., 265. 

Greene, John, 265. 

Greenhalgh, Mrs. Jane B., 265. 

Hadley, Walter C, 86, 268, 297. 
Hall, Lois W., 14, 19, 135, 136. 
Hamilton, Arthur M., 265. 
Hamlet, John F., 268. 



Hargraves, George W., 86, 268, 270. 
Harley, Miss Edith B., 265. 
Harley, James B., 59. 
Harnden, Harvey, 6. 
Harrison, Mrs. Mary, 265. 
Hathaway, Edward E., 265. 
Haughwout, P. B., 30, 218, 219, 221, 

249. 
Hawes, Edward S., 308. 
Hayden, Prince G., 258. 
Hicks, Maria R., 84, 265, 267, 268. 
HiUs, Annie R., 268. 
Hills, George H., 265, 268. 
HiUs, John E., 275. 
Hills, Mrs. John E., 203. 
Hinman, George W., 73, 83, 84, 91, 

94, 132, 139, 140, 177, 293, 295, 

296, 297. 
Hinman, Mrs. George W., 73, 83, 84, 

91, 94, 132, 139, 140, 177, 296, 297. 
Hitchcock, Robert S., 8. 
Hitchcock, Roswell D., 8. 
Holmes, Anna C, 96, 168, 265. 
Holmes, Mrs. Anna S., 265. 
Holmes, Charles J., xi, 30, 31, 36, 45, 

47, 52, 54, 60, 63, 68, 69, 70, 78, 86, 

87, 90, 103, 225, 243, 264, 265, 267, 

268, 273, 274, 308. 
Holmes, Mrs. Charles J., iii, xii, 86, 

94, 152, 154, 207, 226, 243, 263, 

264, 287. 
Hohnes, Mary L., 104, 108, 121, 168, 

265. 
Hopkinson, Clarence H., 268. 
Horsford, Benjamin, 9. 
Hussey, Samuel B., 6, 120, 274. 

Jackson, James F., 168, 265, 270, 310. 
Jackson, Mrs. James F., xii, 84, 217, 

268, 307. 
Jennings, Mrs. Annie B. (Mrs. William 

H.), 86, 199, 201, 231, 236, 265, 

266, 267. 
Jennings, Edward B., 61, 63, 68, 70, 

265. 
Jennings, Wilham H., 37. 
Jepson, Isabel, 83. 

Johnston, EHzabeth M., 169, 170, 175. 
Jubb, W. Walker, 60, 61, 63, 66, 67, 

68, 99, 102, 105, 107, 195, 230. 
Jubb, Mrs. W. Walker, 66, 231. 



330 



Index of Personal References 



Kilburn, Elijah C, 24, 36, 117, 242, 

273, 274. 
Kilburn, Mrs. Elijah C, 243, 244. 
Kinghorn, James A., 168. 
Knight, William A., 70, 71, 73, 78, 79, 

80, 84, 85, 86, 195, 231, 232, 236, 

266, 293. 
Knight, Mrs. William A., 231. 

Lang, Thomas S., 86, 268, 270. 
Lathrop, George O., 51, 60, 62, 63, 

69, 72, 86, 99, 265, 267, 270, 273, 

275, 308. 
Leonard, Daniel, 4, 5, 9. 
I^eonard, Mrs. Daniel, 5. 
Lincoln, Arba N., 96, 265. 
Lincoln, Mrs. Arba N., 84, 96, 211, 

308. 
Lindsey, Mrs. Annie E., 265. 
Lovell, Leander P., 128. 
Lyman, Payson W., 61, 71, 88. 

Marble, Sarah, 150. 

Marshall, James, 265. 

Marshall, Robert, 265. 

Martin, Albert J., 168. 

Martin, James M., 265. 

Martin, James M., Jr., 265. 

Marvell, Edward I., 266. 

Marvell, Edward T., 61, 63, 89, 266, 

274, 275. 
Marvell, Ira, 184, 234. 
McClintock, M. Elizabeth, 176, 270. 
McCreery, Thomas H., 266. 
McKay, Helen G., 269. 
McKenzie, Alexander, 42, 43, 44, 45, 

47, 120, 153. 
McLeod, Mrs. George W., 266. 
McLeod, Roy, 308. 
McWilliams, Elizabeth, 86. 
Mercer, Mrs. Agnes C, 266. 
Mix, Eldridge, 34, 54, 55, 56, 58, 61, 

70, 88, 117, 119, 167, 195, 227, 229, 

230, 236, 266, 306. 
Mix, Mrs. Eldridge, 229. 
Moulton, Louis E., 266. 

Nason, Elias C, 183, 185. 
Nickerson, Sylvanus, 266. 
Newell, John P.. 155. 



Osborn, Ehzabeth C, 268. 
Osborn, James E., 266, 268. 
Osborn, Mrs. James E., 209, 308. 

Paine, Welthe D., 13, 246. 
Pearce, Earl F., 168, 170, 266. 
Pearce, Helen A. E., 170. 
Peet, Josiah W., 18, 273. 
Pentecost, George O., 50. 

Rasmussen, Neils, 266. 
Ravencroft, Mary A., 83. 
Redfearn, Ethel, 270. 
Remington, Carl, 176. 
Remington, Clinton V. S., 19, 64, 69, 

76, 86, 90; 104, 163, 165, 174, 226, 

266, 267, 268, 270, 273, 274, 275, 

297, 307. 
Remington, Hale, 18, 123, 148, 150, 

156, 274. 
Remington, Robert K., 18, 31, 37, 

40, 124, 159, 165, 187, 200, 254, 

256, 274, 275. 
Remington, Mrs. Robert K., 226, 256, 

266. 
Richardson, Joseph B., 183, 191, 296. 
Roberts, Harriet A., 266. 
Rowands, Josephine E., 186. 

Savorj'', James, 269. 

Seabury, Ellen, 14, 134, 135, 265. 

Sears, Gladys, 268. 

Sears, Mrs. Georgianna, 266. 

Sessions, Julia A., 146, 179, 180, 217. 

Seymour, Harriet, 132, 136, 137, 138, 

198, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 

209, 210. 
Sharpies, William E., 266. 
Sheen, Annie E., 168. 
Sheen, Ella, 168. 
Shorey, Harrison A., 159. 
Simister, William H., 266. 
Smith, George W., 134. 
Smith, Mrs. George W., 267. 
Smith, Mary H., 77, 79, 80, 267, 270, 

300. 
Smith, Samuel, 297. 
Stebbins, George C, 50. 
Stillwell, Sarah R., 134, 158. 
Sunmer, Mary H., 134, 304. 
Sweetser, Rev. Dr., 30, 219. 



Index of Personal References 



331 



Swift, Clarence F., 85, 87, 88, 90, 95, 
96, 232, 236, 266, 267, 268, 300, 
304, 307. 308, 309, 310. 

Swift, Mrs. Clarence F., 96, 233, 268, 
307, 309. 

Sykes, Mrs. Betsey, 266. 

Thayer, Thatcher, 28, 30, 32, 125, 
126, 219, 290. 

Thomas, Marion R., 268. 

Thomas, William F., 266. 

Thompson, Barbara G., 268, 270, 309. 

Thompson, Margaret J., 308. 

Thurston, Edward M., 83. 

Thurston, Eli, 17, 22, 27, 28, 32, 36, 
37, 40, 88, 89, 97, 113, 114, 116, 
123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 129, 130, 
131, 149, 195, 216, 217, 218, 219, 
220, 221, 222, 236, 254, 266, 292. 

Thurston, Julia A. (Mrs. Eli), iii, xii, 
41, 94, 103, 149, 208, 217, 226, 263, 
264. 

Towle, Mary L. W., 120, 256. 

Towle, Stanley, 86, 268. 

Tuttle, Arthur S., 308. 



Vandoorn, Edward A., 89, 258. 

Walkden, Thomas V., 52, 86, 269. 
Walmsley, Mrs. Robinson, 266. 
Washburn, Edward A., 8. 
Washburn, Hannah J. (Mrs. Samuel), 

15, 215. 
Washburn, Samuel, 13, 16, 40, 97, 

145, 156, 215, 217, 266, 292. 
Wells, Charles H., 86, 170, 183, 184, 

266, 267, 308. 
Whipp, Adelaide B., 176, 270. 
Whipp, Thomas R., 297. 
Wilkinson, John, 134. 
Woods, Eliza A., 145, 156. 
Woodward, Henry, 4, 5, 273. 
Wrightington, Abby B., 86, 160, 267, 

270. 

Young, Edwin R., 86. 

Young, Elmer B., 86, 266, 268, 269, 

310. 
Yoimg, John M., 266. 



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